Fungus

• Many different types of fungus can cause anthracnose in Chinese trees. Apiognomonia errabunda, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Discula faxinea, and Stegophora ulmea are all funguses that thrive in overly wet soils, and do not damage trees under dry conditions.
  
  

Life Cycle

• Fungus is able to survive the winter on twigs and branches and wait until the spring rains come to begin growing again. As this fungus grows, it produces spores that aid in the spread of the disease. These spores can be carried by wind, water, or animals from one part of the tree to another or to a new tree entirely. This disease can occur at any time of year as long a weather conditions are favorable and the fungus is receiving plenty of water.
  
  

Symptoms

• A variety of symptoms that may appear on Chinese trees infected with anthracnose. Visibly, brown or black spots can appear on the trees' leaves, cankers can form on the branches, and leaves can be deformed or discolored.
  
  As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe to include premature leaf drop and crooked branches. Generally, new growth is more susceptible to damage than existing leaves.
  
  

Prevention

• Some types of Chinese trees are more susceptible to anthracnose than others. The Kousa variety of dogwood and the Drake version of the Chinese elm are more resistant to fungal disease than other varieties.
  
  Allowing more space than usual between plants can prevent the fungus from spreading. Finally, avoid overwatering the tree and plant it in the full sun to help dry the leaves after precipitation occurs.
  
  

Control

• Damaged leaves that have fallen to the ground should be promptly removed and disposed of to avoid the spread of the fungus. Damaged branches and twigs should be pruned below the level of infection and the shears used should be sterilized after every cut. Chemical controls, such as fungicides, are available for retail purchase and have been proven to help control and prevent the disease.