An Overview of Distribution, Biology and the Management of Common Bean Anthracnose

Amin Mohammed

doi:10.4172/2157-7471.1000193

Abstract

Bean anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magn.) is one of the most important seed borne disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in the world. The disease is prevalent in areas that experience cool and wet weather conditions, causing up to 100% yield loss. Besides infecting Phaseolus vulgaris, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum also attacks other legumes like mung bean (P. aureus), cowpea (Vigna sinensis), and broad bean (Vicia faba). The disease causes symptoms to appear on leaves, stems, pods and seeds. The pathogen can survive in seeds for up to five years, and is also known to overwinter in crop debris. Seed infection is the primary means by which the pathogen spreads. Therefore, the production and the use of certified seeds is one control measure that is effective in dealing with the disease. Fungicidal seed treatment and foliar application as well as cultural and biological methods are very important for bean anthracnose management. Further information on biology and survival of C. lindemuthianum is needed to devise more effective management strategies. In this review attention were given to the biology and management options, with an emphasis on the future research priorities.

Highlights

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is grown and consumed principally in developing countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia
Seed treatment and field spray using the extracts of Lawsonia inermis significantly improved seedling emergence and reduced incidence of bean anthracnose [53]
Resistance to bean anthracnose cultivars has historically been overcome by new pathotypes of C. lindemuthianum; the genotypes intended for release to farmers should be selected based on multi location multi season field trials

Summary

Introduction

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is grown and consumed principally in developing countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Cavi., is the most serious disease attacking bean in cool weathers in Latin America and Africa Field losses in these regions, due to seedling, leaf, stem and pod infections, are up to 90% under climatic condition favourable to the disease. The spores can spread from infected to healthy plants by rain splash, wind-blown rain and through the movement of insects, animals and man, especially when the foliage is moist [39] Frequent showers, those accompanied by driving winds and cool temperature, highly favour further disease development in the field and subsequent pod and seed infections that can bring on epidemics [37,40,41]. The fungus C. lindemuthianum over-seasons in infected plant residues and diseased seeds as mycelia or spores [10]. Overhead irrigation practices should be avoided, since it will wet and liberate fungal spore masses on foliage [39]

Physical methods

Findings

Conclusions