Butterfly Pea with Anthracnose: Prevention & Cure

Clitoria ternatea

Susceptibility: Moderate Severity: High Difficulty: Easy

Anthracnose on Butterfly Pea: What to Know?

Anthracnose on Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) is a fungal condition with high severity. Butterfly Pea has moderate susceptibility to this disease. Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum that affects many plants, including vegetables, fruits, and trees. The disease thrives in cool, wet conditions, causing dark...

Butterfly Pea is a easy-care plant. Recovery from Anthracnose takes approximately 14 days with proper treatment.

Unlike bacterial infections, Anthracnose on Butterfly Pea can be managed with organic fungicides.

🔍 What Does Anthracnose Look Like on Butterfly Pea?

• Small irregular yellow or brown spots on leaves
• Dark sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers and fruits
• Water-soaked lesions that darken as they age
• Pink gelatinous masses of spores in lesion centers during warm, moist weather
• Spots that expand and may cover entire leaves
• Defoliation in advanced stages

❓ What Causes Anthracnose on Butterfly Pea?

→ Caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum
→ Cool wet weather promotes development
→ Optimum temperature between 75-85°F (24-29°C)
→ Foliage wet for extended periods of time
→ Fungi overwinter in seeds, soil and garden debris
→ Spores spread through water droplets

💊 How to Treat Anthracnose on Butterfly Pea?

TLDR: Treat Anthracnose on Butterfly Pea with quick treatment (~7 days) or organic (~14 days). Butterfly Pea has moderate susceptibility to this disease.

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Quick Fixes

Remove and discard all visibly infected parts

Apply commercial systemic fungicide (azoxystrobin or mancozeb)

Adjust irrigation to avoid wetting foliage

Second application of systemic fungicide

Assess treatment effectiveness

🌿

Organic Treatment

Remove all infected plant parts and discard in plastic bag

Apply organic liquid copper spray to all plant surfaces

Switch irrigation regime to drip, avoiding foliage wetting

Second application of copper fungicide or neem oil

Assess progress and remove any new lesions

Final organic fungicide application and ongoing monitoring

🛡️ How to Prevent Anthracnose on Butterfly Pea?

TLDR: Prevent Anthracnose on Butterfly Pea with 8 essential preventive care practices.

✓ Implement drip irrigation instead of overhead watering
✓ Give plants enough room to breathe and reduce humidity
✓ Remove infected plant material after harvest
✓ Practice crop rotation between hosts and non-hosts
✓ Choose resistant plant varieties when possible
✓ Use western grown seeds not exposed to the disease
✓ Avoid wetting foliage during watering
✓ Ensure good air circulation around plants

🌱 How to Care for Butterfly Pea to Prevent Anthracnose?

💧 How to Water

Water every 4-6 days, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging as it can cause root rot. Once established, the plant tolerates short dry spells well.

☀️ Lighting

Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Maximum blooming occurs in full sun exposure. In partial shade, the plant will grow but produce fewer flowers.

🪴 Ideal Soil

Use well-draining, fertile loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant adapts to various soil types including clay, loam, and sand. Amend poor soils with organic compost to encourage vigorous growth.

Frequently asked questions

Can Anthracnose kill my Butterfly Pea?

Yes, without treatment, Anthracnose can be fatal to Butterfly Pea. Early detection and treatment are key.

How long does Butterfly Pea take to recover from Anthracnose?

With proper treatment, recovery takes approximately 14 days. Without treatment, it can take significantly longer.

Is Anthracnose contagious to other plants near Butterfly Pea?

Yes, Anthracnose can spread to nearby plants. Isolate the affected Butterfly Pea immediately.

See more: Butterfly Pea → See more: Anthracnose →