Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum watphraense

Colletotrichum watphraense is a phytopathogenic fungus belonging to the Colletotrichum genus, known as a primary agent of anthracnose. It is a highly virulent pathogen that causes significant economic losses in global agriculture by affecting a wide range of fruit, vegetable, and ornamental hosts, demonstrating high adaptability to various climatic zones.

This fungus primarily targets crops such as capsicum, tomatoes, mangoes, and various citrus species. It utilizes a hemibiotrophic infection strategy, starting as a biotroph and transitioning to necrotrophic growth, which allows it to efficiently colonize healthy plant tissues and cause extensive necrosis in infected areas.

Symptoms typically present as water-soaked, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits. As the disease progresses, these lesions enlarge and often develop concentric rings, frequently covered with sticky, pinkish-to-orange spore masses under high-humidity conditions. These spores serve as the primary inoculum for further spread throughout the field.

The development and spread of Colletotrichum watphraense are strongly favored by warm temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 30°C, and high moisture levels, including rain, dew, or overhead irrigation. The spores are primarily dispersed via water splashes, wind, and movement of contaminated equipment, making early detection vital for effective management.

Effective management requires an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. Key strategies include the use of pathogen-free certified seeds, strict field sanitation through the removal and destruction of crop debris, and the implementation of crop rotation. Furthermore, the timely application of fungicides, such as strobilurins or triazoles, is recommended when environmental conditions are conducive to disease outbreaks.