Colletotrichum brasiliense

Colletotrichum brasiliense is a dangerous phytopathogenic fungus that causes anthracnose in various agricultural crops. This species belongs to the class Ascomycota and is characterized by high aggressiveness, which can lead to significant crop yield losses in regions with warm and humid climates.

The primary hosts of this pathogen are species from the Fabaceae and Solanaceae families. The fungus most frequently affects soybean fields and ornamental plants, penetrating through micro-wounds or natural openings in the host plant's tissues, making it a critical threat to industrial agriculture.

Symptoms of the disease appear as dark, sunken necrotic lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits. Over time, conidiomata develop on the affected areas, appearing as small black dots. Under conditions of high humidity, a pinkish mycelial growth can be observed on the surface of the lesions.

The development of the disease is directly dependent on meteorological conditions: the optimal environment includes frequent rainfall, high relative humidity (above 85%), and temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. The fungus survives as mycelium and spores in plant debris, soil, and on seeds.

To prevent the spread of the infection, an integrated management approach is recommended:

• Use of healthy, certified seed material.
• Adherence to crop rotation schedules by excluding susceptible plants.
• Thorough destruction of crop residues after harvest.
• Application of fungicides based on triazoles and strobilurins during active vegetative growth.