Anthracnose & Die-back (Colletotrichum capsici)

Anthracnose and die-back (Colletotrichum capsici) is the single most economically damaging disease chili growers face worldwide. In this video, we break down exactly how to spot it early and stop it before it wipes out your harvest. 🔍 What it is: A fungal disease that attacks ripening chili fruit and twigs, spreading fast through rain splash, wind, infected seed, and crop debris — especially in warm, humid weather with heavy rainfall. ⚠️ Symptoms to watch for: • Sunken, circular dark lesions with concentric rings on ripening fruit • Tiny black fruiting bodies inside the lesions • Fruit shriveling and rotting on the plant • Progressive die-back of twigs starting from the tip ✅ How to manage it: • Apply protectant and systemic fungicides • Choose resistant varieties where possible • Harvest on time — don't let fruit over-ripen on the plant 🛡️ How to prevent it: • Use certified disease-free seed • Rotate crops each season • Practice good field sanitation • Avoid overhead irrigation to keep foliage and fruit dry Protect your chili crop before anthracnose takes hold — early action makes all the difference.