Penn State University is asking for grower input to help researchers understand the role of anthracnose diseases in tree fruit and small fruit crops.

“This short survey is a part of a multistate research collaboration that aims to help us understand the impact and role of anthracnose (fruit rot) diseases caused by the fungal pathogens in the Colletotrichum genus and to prioritize grower concerns and challenges,” Kari Peter, Penn State tree fruit pathologist, said in a news release. 

According to the release, anthracnose diseases in tree fruit and small fruit crops may go by many names — including bitter rot of apple; anthracnose of peach, blueberry and strawberry; ripe rot of grape; and crown rot of strawberry — but many are caused by the same Colletotrichum fungal pathogens.

Click here to access the survey. All responses are anonymous. 

—by Jonelle Mejica