Benomyl can be used during bloom. Humble is resistant and Brazos and Womack have some tolerance. Navaho and Arapaho are resistant, and Shawnee and Choctaw are susceptible. Anthracnose is a fungal disease which produces small purplish spots on new shoots, and leaves in the spring. A shot hole effect on leaves may result and canes may die back.
Affected fruits are usually small, dry, and scabby.
Plant in sites with good air circulation and control weeds. Chemical control is with copper sprays in the spring when leaf buds are just beginning to open, and Captan or benomyl when flower buds appear and after petal fall. Orange rust fungus produces masses of orange colored spots on leaves in the spring. It moves through the plant, and all canes produced after that will be non-productive. It is a serious problem for susceptible varieties, especially Humble .