What causes shade tree anthracnose?
• Fungi of the genus Discula (and related forms) are responsible for this disease. • The fungi pass the winter on dead leaves on the ground, or occasionally in cankers on affected twigs in the trees. In the early spring, their spores are dispersed for reinfection. • Anthracnose fungi can only affect leaves under cool and moist conditions typical of early spring. When the weather warms up and dries out, infection can not occur.
