Anthracnose of pepper

Colletotrichum scovillei is a highly destructive fungal pathogen known to cause anthracnose in various solanaceous crops, with a specific predilection for chili and bell peppers. This fungus has been identified globally as a primary cause of significant yield losses in commercial agricultural settings.

The disease primarily targets the fruit of the plant, although it may occasionally infect leaves and stems under conducive environmental conditions. Once the pathogen colonizes the tissue, it produces enzymes that degrade the cellular structure of the pepper, leading to rapid tissue collapse and decay.

Symptoms are manifested as circular, sunken lesions on the fruit surface. These lesions quickly expand, often displaying concentric rings of dark acervuli, which are the fruiting bodies of the fungus. Under humid conditions, these lesions become covered in slimy, pink to orange-colored masses of conidia, which serve as the primary source of secondary infection.

Disease progression is highly favored by warm temperatures (ranging from 20°C to 30°C) and high relative humidity. The pathogen is disseminated primarily through rain splash, irrigation water, and infected seeds. It is known to survive between seasons in soil, plant debris, and on weed hosts, making it persistent in field environments.

The economic impact of Colletotrichum scovillei is severe, as it renders the harvested product unmarketable. Proactive management is essential to minimize financial loss. Recommended control strategies include:

• Sourcing certified pathogen-free seeds to prevent initial introduction.
• Implementing strict crop rotation protocols for at least three years.
• Applying targeted fungicides during the flowering and fruit-set stages.
• Sanitation practices, including the removal of crop debris and infected fruit after harvest.