Anthracnose of red currant

The causal agent of anthracnose on red currant is a specialized form of the fungus Pseudopeziza ribis f. rubri. The infection is characterized by the appearance of small dark-brown spots on the leaves up to 1.2 mm in diameter, with black conidial sporulation developing in their centers. With mass development, the spots coalesce, causing yellowing, drying out, and premature shedding of leaves, which significantly weakens the plant.

On petioles, shoots, and pedicels, the pathogen forms depressed black or brown ulcers. When berries are affected, spots with a light center and a red border appear, and infection of the pedicels often triggers fruit drop. In breeding practice, resistance to anthracnose is defined as a field trait and is assessed on a point scale under disease-conducive conditions, as specific resistance genes have not yet been mapped.