Editing Papaya (section)

=== Fungi and oomycetes ===
The fungus [[anthracnose]] attacks papaya, especially mature fruits. The disease starts small with very few signs, such as water-soaked spots on ripening fruits. The spots become sunken, turn brown or black, and may get bigger. In some of the older spots, the fungus may produce pink spores. The fruit ends up being soft and having an off flavor because the fungus grows into the fruit.<ref name="test">{{cite web |last1=Mossler |first1=M. A. |last2=Crane |first2=J. |date=2008 |title=Florida crop/pest management profile: papaya |url=http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/PI/PI05300.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630121711/http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/PI/PI05300.pdf |archive-date=30 June 2017 |publisher=University of Florida}}</ref>

The fungus [[powdery mildew]] occurs as a superficial white presence on the leaf's surface, which is easily recognized. Tiny, light yellow spots begin on the lower surfaces of the leaf as the disease starts to make its way. The spots enlarge, and white powdery growth appears on the leaves. The infection usually appears at the upper leaf surface as white fungal growth. Powdery mildew is not as severe as other diseases.<ref name="powdery mildew">{{cite web |author1=Cunningham, B. |author2=Nelson, S. |date=June 2012 |title=Powdery mildew of papaya in Hawaii |url=http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/PD-90.pdf}}</ref>

The fungus-like oomycete ''[[Phytophthora]]'' causes damping-off, [[root rot]], stem rot, stem girdling, and fruit rot. Damping-off happens in young plants by wilting and death. The spots on established plants start as white, water-soaked lesions at the fruit and branch scars. These spots enlarge and eventually cause death. The disease's most dangerous feature is the fruit's infection, which may be toxic to consumers.<ref name="test" /> The roots can also be severely and rapidly infected, causing the plant to brown and wilt away, collapsing within days.