anthracnose, one of the fungal diseases of European origin which affects vines. It is also known as bird’s eye rot or black spot. The disease is spread worldwide but is a particular problem in humid regions, as in the eastern united states. Before the introduction of downy mildew and powdery mildew, it was the most serious grape fungal disease in Europe, but since bordeaux mixture was introduced in 1885 it has been controllable. The disease is caused by the fungus Elsinoe ampelina. Small black lesions are produced on the leaves and this area can die and drop out so that the leaves look as though peppered with gunshot. Small dark-coloured spots are also produced on young shoots, flower cluster stems, and berries. Anthracnose can reduce both the yield and quality of the fruit. The disease can be controlled by fungicides applied early in the growing season.
