Anthracnose, also known as leaf curl, is a new disease of celery. It was first reported in Australia where it caused significant crop losses during the 1990s. First observations in North America include Michigan and Pennsylvania in 2010, Ontario Canada in 2012, and New York in 2018. It also has been reported in New England and mid-Atlantic states.
Twisting of petioles (stalks) and downward curling of leaves are the first symptoms noticed. They resemble symptoms caused by herbicides, growth regulators, and aster yellows. Unlike aster yellows, leaves remain green but often are pale green. Chlorotic spots can occur. Affected plants may be stunted. Long, brown lesions develop on stalks. They can enlarge over time. Young crown tissue in the center of the plant (celery heart) sometimes is discolored and can develop blackened rot when secondary soft rot bacteria invade infected plants.
Initial source of the pathogen to an area is suspected to be contaminated seed, but this has not been documented. Spread in a planting occurs via spores dispersed by splashing water.
The pathogen, Colletotrichum fioriniae, has a broad host range. It also causes anthracnose on garlic scapes and cherry tomato, bitter rot on pear and post-harvest decay on apple.
It can survive on crop debris in soil for a few years, therefore it is worthwhile to remove diseased debris from a field and locate future plantings away from previous plantings of susceptible crops.
Following images are from a garden planting where anthracnose on garlic scapes also occurred. These diseases have also been reported in commercial plantings.
More information about celery anthracnose and its management.
Following 2 images are of affected celery from a commercial planting taken in mid-July by Sandra Menasha, Vegetable/Potato Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension-Suffolk County.
