Colletotrichum clidemiae

The disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum clidemiae, a significant plant pathogen known for causing necrotic lesions commonly referred to as anthracnose. The pathogen utilizes specialized appressoria to penetrate plant tissues and absorb nutrients, leading to cell death and tissue degradation.

The host range of Colletotrichum clidemiae primarily includes members of the Melastomataceae family, particularly the genus Clidemia. However, similar species within the complex are known to infect a diverse range of agricultural and ornamental crops, posing a continuous threat to greenhouse and field production.

Symptoms typically present as irregular dark spots on leaves, stems, and fruits, which may eventually coalesce into large necrotic areas. During humid conditions, a visible mass of fungal spores often appears on the surface of these lesions, facilitating the secondary spread of the infection throughout the plant.

The development of the fungus is strictly dependent on environmental factors, with high humidity and moderate to warm temperatures being the primary drivers for disease outbreaks. The conidia are disseminated via rain splash, irrigation runoff, and movement of contaminated tools or workers within the cultivation area.

Management of Colletotrichum clidemiae requires an integrated approach to minimize crop losses. Key preventive measures include

• maintaining proper plant spacing for airflow
• avoiding overhead irrigation
• removing and destroying all symptomatic plant material
• applying prophylactic fungicidal treatments