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Phylogenetic diversity of Colletotrichum species (Sordariomycetes, Glomerellales, Glomerellaceae) associated with plant diseases in Thailand

Summary

Researchers in Thailand studied a common fungal plant pathogen called Colletotrichum that causes diseases like anthracnose and leaf spots on various plants. They identified eight different species of this fungus and discovered two previously unknown species. The study helps farmers and plant scientists better understand and identify these disease-causing fungi to protect their crops.

Background

Colletotrichum is a cosmopolitan fungal genus comprising important plant pathogens, endophytes, and saprobes. Many species are cryptic and morphologically similar but phylogenetically distinct within species complexes. The genus is characterized by globose ascomata, acervular conidiomata, and hyaline ascospores and conidia.

Objective

To identify and characterize Colletotrichum species associated with plant diseases in Thailand using morphological and multigene phylogenetic analyses. The study aimed to establish new species and host records while providing updated phylogenetic classification across all Colletotrichum species complexes.

Results

Twenty Colletotrichum isolates representing eight species were obtained. Two new species were proposed: C. dendrobii (from Dendrobium sp.) and C. musichiangmaiense (from Musa sp.). Thirteen new host records were established for six species. The sexual morph of C. endophyticum was reported for the first time.

Conclusion

This study enhances understanding of plant pathogens affecting crop yield and food security through accurate fungal diagnostics. The findings improve knowledge of plant-fungal interactions, biodiversity, and ecosystem health while providing updated phylogenetic classification of Colletotrichum species complexes.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Study,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.119.152323, PMID: 40656897
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