This pathogen reproduces only asexually via conidia (spores) which land on leaf surfaces and develop structures that grow inward, infecting leaf tissue. Infection sites are pale green at first but turn into dark necrotic spots as the surrounding tissue dies. New conidia are produced on specialized structures that emerge from infected leaves, and the conidia are spread to new leaves by wind and the splashing of water. Infection kills waterhyacinth leaf tissue from the tip to the stem. New leaves are often produced to combat leaf loss. Under severe disease conditions, new leaves are killed faster than they can be replaced, and the entire plant dies. Disease symptoms can be found year-round in warm climates.