Antracnose is a common fungal disease which attacks everything from lawns to
trees and almost every
plant between. It has become a very large problem in our area with the weather patterns which we have been "enjoying" over the past few years. You can take preventative measures to fight against it. A fungicide called Captan applied at regular intervals has proven to be very successful at keeping this disease at bay.
As a rule, fungicides are usually some of the least toxic pesticides, and very user friendly. Captan however is the exception to this rule. It is the only fungicide that I know of that carries a "danger" signal word. Make sure you read the label very well, and follow the safety procedures.
Do not mix or spray this substance if it is very windy as the chemical can do some serious eye damage if blown into your face. (this is where it gets its "danger"signal word from.
Always use rubber gloves when mixing and avoid touching anything else (face or food) until you are done making your application.
It sounds scary, but as long as you use a bit of common sense and follow the labels directions you will be okay.
Another fungicide which can help but not as well as Captan, and that is MUCH more user friendly would be Mankozeb. This one has the ability to fight against the disease, but does not have the long term protection that Captan offers.
