Colletotrichum fructicola associated with fruit anthracnose of persimmon

Abstract

AbstractAnthracnose, a major problem for persimmon exporters worldwide, reduces fruit yield and quality. In this study, a pathogen causing anthracnose of an imported persimmon fruit from an unknown country of origin was identified using a polyphasic approach. The pathogenicity of two fungal isolates, MBPER001A and MBPER002, was assessed by wound inoculation on healthy persimmon fruits. Anthracnose symptoms were observed 14 days after inoculation. Koch's postulates were fulfilled after the same fungus was re‐isolated from the inoculated fruits. Morphologies of both MBPER001A and MBPER002 isolates, original and re‐isolated, showed characteristics similar to Colletotrichum species in the gloeosporioides species complex. Multi‐locus analysis of the partial ITS, ACT, GAPDH and TUB2 gene regions showed MBPER001A and MBPER002 grouped within the Colletotrichum fructicola clade. Results from this study demonstrate the ability of C. fructicola to cause anthracnose in wounded persimmon fruits. Preventing wounding and damaging that expose the fruit during postharvest handling is therefore important to reduce infection. This study is the first report of C. fructicola in persimmon in the Philippines.