Identification of Avocado Fruit Disease Caused by Diaporthe phaseolorum and Colletotrichum fructicola in China
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 7/23/2025
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Summary
Researchers in China identified two fungal pathogens responsible for major avocado fruit diseases: Diaporthe phaseolorum causes fruit rot while Colletotrichum fructicola causes anthracnose. These diseases affect approximately 22% and 15% of avocado fruits respectively in Yunnan Province. This first-time identification of these pathogens on avocado provides growers with crucial information to implement targeted disease prevention strategies and protect their crops.
Background
Avocado (Persea americana) cultivation is increasingly constrained by diseases, particularly fruit rot and anthracnose, which significantly impact fruit quality and yield. In November 2024, fruit rot was observed on avocado fruits in Yunnan, China with a field infection rate of 22%, while anthracnose was detected with a 15% infection rate.
Objective
To identify the fungal pathogens causing fruit rot and anthracnose on avocado fruits in Menglian, Yunnan Province, China through integrated molecular and morphological characterization.
Results
Four fungal strains were isolated and identified as Diaporthe phaseolorum (SWFU20, SWFU21) causing fruit rot and Colletotrichum fructicola (SWFU12, SWFU13) causing anthracnose. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed 99-100% sequence similarity with reference strains. Pathogenicity tests successfully reproduced disease symptoms on inoculated fruits, with re-isolation confirming the causal agents.
Conclusion
This study represents the first report of D. phaseolorum causing fruit rot and C. fructicola causing anthracnose on avocado in China. These findings provide a scientific foundation for targeted disease prevention and control strategies, supporting sustainable development of the avocado industry in China.
- Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
- Study Type:Diagnostic/Identification Study,
- Source: 10.3390/jof11080547, PMID: 40863498