MIRLITON.ORG

MIRLITON.ORG

Anthracnose damage to Mirliton plant parts (chayote, “Sechium edule”)

Splitting and desiccation of stem typical of anthracnose infection spreading from leaves to vines. Gum flow from severed vine symptomatic of anthracnose.
Yellow spotting following leaf-vein structure, characteristic of anthracnose early stages.
Splitting and desiccation of stem typical of anthracnose infection spreading from leaves to vines.
Close-up of exudate which is caused by anthracnose fungus blocking normal fluid flow and forcing fluids to the surface.
Base of stem not showing any signs of lesions, which is good. The woody lignin covering the stem base prevents anthracnose for penetrating the plant. Gum flow from severed vine symptomatic of anthracnose.
Base of stem not showing any signs of lesions, which is good. The woody lignin covering the stem base prevents anthracnose for penetrating the plant.
Black spotting (fruiting bodies) on dead tissue is a sign of anthracnose. Typical salmon coloration of anthracnose spores on stem. This is an early stage before the black acervuli mature and are visible on dead (necrotic) tissue Water on edges of leaf is morning "guttation," a sign of excess water at the root level pushing water out through glands on margins of leaf. This can cause lesions at the gland site from sodium deposits and create injury sites for fungal infection. Evidence of sufficient watering. Soil moisture test dowel. Simple way to tests soil moisture. This is a weathered bamboo cane, very smooth and dry. Insert quickly into soil up to about six inches and withdraw quickly. Moist soil will adhere to it and provide a "profile" of soil moisture content at different levels. Soil moisture test dowel. This was inserted six inches and shows soil particles adhering to only bottom two inches, which means top four inches of soil is relatively dry, but plant is adequately watered. Soil moisture test dowel. This was inserted into well-watered soil the next day and shows soil particles adhering to dowel for the full length, which means soil is moist at all levels. Soil moisture test dowel. This was inserted into well-watered soil the next day and shows soil particles adhering to dowel for the full length, which means soil is moist at all levels. Soil moisture test dowel. This was inserted into well-watered soil the next day and shows soil particles adhering to dowel for the full length, which means soil is moist at all levels.
Early lesion.
Close-up of exudate which is caused by anthracnose fungus blocking normal fluid flow and forcing fluids to the surface.
Close-up of exudate which is caused by anthracnose fungus blocking normal fluid flow and forcing fluids to the surface. Stem has split open.
Several photos of anthracnose “walking its way up” plant, typical for ground-based fungus progress.
Close-up of exudate which is caused by anthracnose fungus blocking normal fluid flow and forcing fluids to the surface.
Close-up of exudate which is caused by anthracnose fungus blocking normal fluid flow and forcing fluids to the surface.
Close-up of exudate which is caused by anthracnose fungus blocking normal fluid flow and forcing fluids to the surface.
Exudate bubbles.
Black spots are "fruiting bodies" of anthracnose preparing to grow next generation of fungus.
Black spots are "fruiting bodies" of anthracnose preparing to grow next generation of fungus.
Soil bag experiment that led us to conclude that this container was not good for mirlitons. We recommend 30 gallon plastic tubs.
Salmon spotting are anthracnose fruiting bodies. Typical salmon coloration of anthracnose spores on stem. This is an early stage before the black acervuli mature and are visible on dead (necrotic) tissue
Salmon spotting are anthracnose fruiting bodies. Typical salmon coloration of anthracnose spores on stem. This is an early stage before the black acervuli mature and are visible on dead (necrotic) tissue
Salmon spotting are anthracnose fruiting bodies. Typical salmon coloration of anthracnose spores on stem. This is an early stage before the black acervuli mature and are visible on dead (necrotic) tissue.