Collectotrichum Leaf Spot

Symptom

The fungus responsible for this disease is airborne and spreads from one to another through wind. Although crop losses are few, infection of the stem can be died to the plant. Initial symptoms appear as grayish spots on betel leaves, usually three to four per leaf. These lesions are often circular, with brown margins surrounding the affected area. The spots occur individually rather than covering the entire leaf surface. Infected leaves eventually turn yellow and fall prematurely. Early removal of diseased leaves can effectively protect the spread of the pathogen. If the infection extends to the petioles and stems, dark brown to black lesions develop, leading to stem drying. As the disease progresses, the entire vine gradually withers and dies.