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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 discovered a serious fungal disease affecting buckwheat crops in China caused by Colletotrichum kahawae, a fungus that ranks among the world’s most damaging plant pathogens. Through laboratory tests, they identified the fungus and determined its optimal growth conditions and which other crops it can infect, including wheat, oats, potatoes, and maize. This is the first time this particular fungus has been reported on buckwheat, and the findings will help farmers develop strategies to prevent and manage the disease.

Background

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is a nutritionally valuable crop native to Yunnan, China, but is susceptible to fungal diseases including anthracnose. While Colletotrichum liriopes and C. xishanense have been reported on buckwheat, C. kahawae had not been previously documented on this crop. C. kahawae is ranked among the ten most significant plant-pathogenic fungi globally with quarantine status in multiple regions.

Objective

To isolate, identify, and characterize Colletotrichum kahawae causing severe anthracnose on buckwheat in Yunnan Province, China, and determine its biological characteristics and host range.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis confirmed strain SM02 as C. kahawae with >99% sequence homology. Optimal growth conditions were 12L:12D photoperiod, 25°C temperature, pH 7.0, glucose as carbon source, and beef extract as nitrogen source. Pathogenicity testing confirmed Koch’s postulates, and host range studies demonstrated C. kahawae can infect maize, wheat, oats, and potatoes.

Conclusion

C. kahawae is confirmed as the causative agent of anthracnose on buckwheat in Yunnan, China, representing the first report of this pathogen on this crop. The biological characterization provides a foundation for monitoring anthracnose occurrence and developing integrated pest management strategies for buckwheat production.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:First Report - Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41003179, DOI: 10.3390/jof11090633
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