MIRLITON.ORG

MIRLITON.ORG

Testing for Anthracnose in Mirlitons (chayote, “Sechium edule”)

Mirliton leaf taken while still green from plant July 2011. The leaf was displaying symptoms of anthracnose, e.g. yellow splotches turning brown (necrotic). To obtain a tentative diagnosis, we "chambered" the leaf by placing it in a plastic zip-lock bag with a damp paper towel out of direct sun for seven days. The white powder on dead tissue indicates anthracnose (Colletotrichum lagenerium). I examined this under a 100X power scope which shows branching myclellia but is not enough magnification to determine conidiophore morphology which would provide a definitive diagnosis. If you think your mirliton has plant disease, this is a quick and free way to determine if it is infected with a fungal disease. An authoritative diagnosis would require that you send a fresh leaf sample for testing at the locale agricultural extension service. Download the photo and use the magnification icon for close-ups.
Advanced growth of anthracnose fungi.