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First Report of Colletotrichum kahawae Causing Anthracnose on Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) in China and Biological Characterization of the Pathogen

Summary

Researchers in China discovered that a fungus called Colletotrichum kahawae is causing a serious disease called anthracnose on buckwheat crops in Yunnan Province. This is the first time this particular fungus has been identified on buckwheat in China. Scientists studied how the fungus grows and found it prefers temperatures around 25°C and neutral pH levels. The fungus can also infect other important crops like wheat, corn, potatoes, and oats, which could pose a significant threat to agriculture in the region.

Background

Buckwheat is an important miscellaneous grain crop native to Yunnan, China with high nutritional value. Large-scale cultivation has led to increased occurrence of plant diseases, particularly anthracnose, which causes significant economic losses. This is the first report of Colletotrichum kahawae causing anthracnose on buckwheat in China.

Objective

To isolate, identify, and biologically characterize the anthracnose pathogen causing disease on buckwheat in Yunnan Province, China. The study aimed to determine the taxonomic status through molecular phylogenetic analysis and establish optimal growth conditions for the pathogen.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis confirmed SM02 as Colletotrichum kahawae. Optimal growth conditions were: photoperiod 12L:12D, temperature 25°C, pH 7.0, glucose as carbon source, and beef extract as nitrogen source. Host range testing showed C. kahawae could infect maize, wheat, oats, and potatoes. The pathogen exhibited >99% sequence homology with Colletotrichum species in NCBI analysis.

Conclusion

C. kahawae causes buckwheat anthracnose in Yunnan, China and represents a new threat to buckwheat production. The established biological characteristics provide a basis for monitoring disease occurrence and developing integrated pest management strategies. Future investigations should focus on control strategies, resistant variety selection, and host range assessment in economically important plants.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11090633
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