Overview of Coffee Anthracnose
Table of Contents
Anthracnose—also known as branch dieback, fruit dieback, or fruit rot—is a serious fungal disease of coffee caused by Colletotrichum coffeanum, especially prevalent during the rainy season.
First recorded in Vietnam around 1930 with minor damage, the disease has spread steadily as coffee cultivation expanded in the Central Highlands and northern midlands, becoming a significant threat to coffee productivity.
Key Symptoms of Anthracnose
1. Fruit Damage
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Stage of attack: When the fruit is nearly mature.
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Initial signs: Small, round, black depressions near the fruit stem or at points where two fruits touch—areas where water collects.
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Progression: Lesions spread across the fruit skin and into the seed, causing berries to rot, turn black, dry out, and fall prematurely.
2. Branch Infection
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Early symptoms: Small, brown, slightly sunken spots between branch nodes.
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Spread: Lesions extend along the entire node, usually infecting small woody shoots but, in severe cases, damaging larger branches and even the trunk.
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Effect: Infected areas turn dark brown to black, leaves drop, and branches dry and die.
3. Leaf Symptoms
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Initial stage: Small, dark-brown circular spots with concentric rings.
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Severe infection: Spots merge into large brown or black patches, damaging the foliage.
Integrated Control Measures
1. Cultural Management
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Avoid dense planting to improve air circulation.
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Prune diseased or unproductive branches and those deep inside the canopy.
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Thin shade trees during the rainy season to keep coffee plots well-ventilated and dry, suppressing fungal growth and spread.
2. Balanced Fertilization
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Apply sufficient and balanced nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) to strengthen plant resistance.
3. Chemical Control
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Fungicides are essential, especially during the rainy months.
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Farmers in Di Linh, Lam Ha (Lam Dong Province) and Buon Ma Thuot (Dak Lak Province) report excellent results when spraying Carbenzim 500FL every 20 days.
Why Carbenzim 500FL Works?
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Systemic action: Rapidly absorbed through leaves and strongly adherent, minimizing rain wash-off.
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Upward movement: After uptake, the fungicide moves upward to protect fruits and young tissues.
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Dual action: Inhibits spore formation and suppresses fungal hyphae inside the plant, providing both preventive and curative effects.
Recommended Usage of Carbenzim 500FL
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Mixing ratio:
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15 ml per 8 L of water, or
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30 ml per 16 L sprayer.
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Large batches:
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400 ml in a 200 L drum, or
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2 L in a 1,000 L tank.
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Application: Spray thoroughly to wet all foliage.
👉 Tip: To maintain high efficacy and reduce the risk of fungal resistance, Carbenzim 500FL can be tank-mixed with Dipomate 80WP.
Conclusion
By combining good cultural practices, balanced fertilization, and strategic fungicide application, coffee growers can effectively control anthracnose and protect yields. Regular monitoring and timely treatment are key to maintaining the health and productivity of coffee plantations.