These early lesions on the cane are called pit lesions. Within these lesions spores are produced which are spread by running water, splashing rain, and wind. Canes weakened by anthracnose are more susceptible to winter injury and eventually may die. Cankered canes may also produce abnormal fruiting branches with malformed fruit, especially in seasons of drought. Fruit infections are not common unless there is a high level of anthracnose in the plantings.
Infected fruit is typically dry and seedy.
Disease Cycle Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Elsinoe veneta which overwinters on canes infected the previous season. In the spring, fungal spores are produced on these diseased canes. These spores are spread to very young green tissue and infection takes place. The primary damage to plants is caused by these early infections. Disease Management Control can be achieved by sanitation and spraying.