First report of Colletotrichum species causing chili (Capsicum annuum L.) anthracnose in Hue, Vietnam

Abstract

Anthracnose is one of the causes of significant reductions in chili yield and marketability worldwide. In Vietnam, anthracnose is also one of the most dangerous diseases of chili. This work aimed to identify Colletotrichum species causing chili anthracnose in Hue based on phylogenetic analysis of multiple locus genes such as ITS, act, cal, chs-1, gapdh, and tub2. The study determined 3 species of Colletotrichum, which were C. scovillei, C. truncatum, and C. siamense. Furthermore, the morphological features of these species were determined. The pathogenicity assays revealed that these species displayed different levels of virulence on artificially infected fruits such as chili, banana, mango, and dragon fruit. The incidence and lesion size of anthracnose disease in wounded fruits were higher than in unwounded fruits. Notably, the pathogenicity of C. truncatum on banana has not been previously reported and it. warns the banana industry that anthracnose caused by this species may appear on this fruit crop. Our study provides preliminary insights into the Colletotrichum species associated with chili anthracnose, which will assist in developing biocontrol strategies and managing post-harvest diseases that impact chili production in Vietnam.