Which organism causes anthracnose disease in plane trees?

• A. Bacteria
• B. Virus
• C. Fungus
• D. Nematode

Answer: (C)

Anthracnose on plane trees is a fungal disease. The symptoms—dark, sunken leaf spots that can lead to defoliation—result from a fungus colonizing the leaf tissue and producing spores to spread, especially in cool, wet spring weather. The disease overwinters in fallen leaves and other plant debris, then releases spores that infect new growth. While there are many organisms that can cause plant issues, anthracnose is characteristically linked to fungi, not bacteria, viruses, or nematodes. In planes, the culprits are fungal species such as Apiognomonia venata (often cited as Discula platani in older texts), which reinforces why the responsible organism is a fungus.