Remove and destroy all plant debris in the garden, since the disease can survive on plant debris from year to year. Rotate crops with nonhost plants, such as corn, for two or more years as an effective way of reducing the incidence of this disease. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering. The first symptoms of anthracnose are spots on the leaves that begin as yellowish or water-soaked areas. Spots enlarge and turn brown to black.
Infected fruits have black, circular, sunken cankers of different sizes.
Rotation of crops in the garden is also important to minimize disease. Purchase seeds from a reputable source, since the disease can be seed-borne. This disease is caused by the fungus Alternaria cucumerina and causes small, circular, tan spots to appear on the leaves, which later enlarge to 1 inches or more in diameter. Leaf drop can be severe. Bright sunshine, frequent dews or rain, and temperatures between 60 and 90 F favor disease development.