Anthracnose on pumpkin
A fungal disease (Colletotrichum orbiculare) attacking cucurbit leaves and fruit. On the fruit it produces sunken, dark patches that carry on developing in store and end in rotting.
Symptom photos
Symptoms
- Round, sunken, dark patches on the fruit skin
- Patches later coated with a pinkish or black bloom of spores
- Irregular brown spots on the leaves that drop out to leave holes
- Elongated, sunken lesions on the stems
- Fruit rotting from the infection site in store
What it does to the crop
- Unmarketable fruit that will not keep
- Storage losses building up after harvest
- Leaf loss and smaller, poorly developed fruit
- The fungus persisting on debris and seed
What encourages it
- Warm, humid weather at 20-27°C
- Water staying on leaves and fruit for long periods
- Cucurbits grown in succession
- Physical damage to the fruit skin
Prevention
- Rotate with a 3-year break for cucurbits
- Use treated seed from a reliable source
- Rest the fruit on boards or mulch so it does not lie on wet soil
- Drip-irrigate without wetting the leaves
- Clear crop debris after harvest
⚠️ Before you reach for a spray
This atlas is informational and still growing — different diseases can look almost identical. Confirm the diagnosis and read the product label before applying any plant protection product. If you are unsure, ask your local extension or advisory service.
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