Fungus spores in the soil are spread to plants when rain drops splash them and small particles of soil onto the plants. On infected fruit, the fungus produces abundant spores that are spread to other ripening fruit by wind or by splashing water droplets from rain or irrigation. Sometimes anthracnose becomes established on areas damaged by diseases such as early blight or insect feeding. Key Symptoms Early symptoms on ripe or ripening fruit are small, circular indented areas on the skin. Indented areas expand and develop black centers or concentric rings of dark specks.
Rot penetrates beyond the skin into the fruit.
Diseased areas become invaded by other fungi or bacteria that further rot the fruit. Harvested fruit may not show symptoms until placed in storage. Disease Management Use the fungicide program previously outlined for Septoria leaf spot. Mulch around plants to reduce splashing of inoculum from the soil onto fruits. Improve air movement around plants by staking the tomatoes.