Lettuce: Anthracnose

Biology

Anthracnose of lettuce is a fungal disease favored by cool, wet weather. The disease is also known as shothole because of the characteristic symptoms. Lower leaves develop small, water-soaked spots which quickly darken and enlarge. The centers dry and drop out, leaving “shotholes” with black margins in the leaves. Affected leaves tend to wither and die quickly, then break off. The disease progresses to the younger leaves and may also cause symptoms on the midribs. The fungus is spread by splashing water and can be serious during prolonged wet weather. Some weed species are also hosts of the fungus.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Control weeds in and around the garden.
• Remove plant debris from the garden. Destroy or discard (do not compost) infected materials.
• Rotate crops. Do not plant lettuce in the same location each year.
• Avoid overhead watering.
• Remove affected plants as soon as symptoms are noticed.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended.

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