Colletotrichum acutatum

Colletotrichum acutatum is a highly destructive fungal pathogen belonging to the Ascomycota division and the Colletotrichum genus. As a notorious causative agent of anthracnose, it affects a wide range of economically important crops, causing significant agricultural losses globally.

This pathogen has a broad host range, primarily targeting strawberries, fruit trees, and various vegetable species. The infection manifests as sunken necrotic lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits. On fruits, the disease typically develops as circular, water-soaked spots that eventually produce masses of spores, causing complete rot and decay of the harvest.

The life cycle of Colletotrichum acutatum is characterized by the production of abundant conidia within acervuli. These spores are primary inoculum spread by splashing water, wind-driven rain, and contaminated farming equipment. The fungus is known for its ability to persist in soil, on crop debris, and even in asymptomatic host tissue, acting as a latent infection.

Optimal conditions for disease progression involve warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C and high humidity levels. Greenhouse environments, if not properly ventilated, offer ideal conditions for the rapid transmission of the pathogen. Once introduced, the fungus can persist for multiple seasons if sanitation protocols are not rigorously followed.

Effective management requires an integrated approach focusing on both prevention and chemical intervention. Growers should emphasize the use of certified, disease-free planting material, proper field sanitation, and adequate spacing to promote airflow. Applying fungicides during critical stages of plant development, such as flowering and fruit set, is essential to mitigate the impact of the disease.

• Use of certified, clean propagation material.
• Removal and destruction of infected plant debris.
• Implementation of drip irrigation to reduce leaf wetness.
• Regular fungicide rotation to prevent resistance development.