Two new species of Colletotrichum (Glomerellales, Glomerellaceae) causing anthracnose on Epimedium sagittatum

Researchers discovered two new species of fungi that cause anthracnose (a plant disease causing leaf spots) on Epimedium sagittatum, a medicinal plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. The disease was observed causing significant damage to seedlings in China, with infection rates reaching 90% in severe cases. By analyzing the genetic and physical characteristics of the fungi, scientists identified and named two new species: Colletotrichum epimedii and Colletotrichum sagittati. This discovery is important for developing better strategies to prevent and control the disease in medicinal plant cultivation.