Taphrina maculans

Fungal Disease

Taphrina maculans

Fungal Disease

Symptoms

• Small 1-2 mm diameter spots appear on both sides of the leaf.
• Infected leaves turn reddish-brown instead of normal green.
• Spots merge to form irregular patches.
• As the disease progresses, leaves dry up and appear scorched.
• Oblong brown spots (4-5 cm long, 2-3 cm wide) with grey centers develop.
• Advanced stages show black fungal dots (acervuli) in concentric rings.
• Severely infected leaves wilt, dry, and develop yellow halos.

Favorable Conditions

• First appears in October–November.
• Thrives in 80% humidity and 21–24°C temperatures.

Disease Cycle

• Primary infection occurs through ascospores and conidia, initially affecting lower leaves.
• Secondary infection spreads through airborne spores under cool, humid conditions.
• Unlike other fungal diseases, plant debris and soil do not serve as primary infection sources.

Proper sanitation, resistant varieties, and optimal spacing help manage the disease effectively.