Pathogenic variability of isolates of Colletotrichum sublineola on Sorghum in China

Abstract

Sorghum anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum sublineola (Ces.) Wilson is widely distributed in most sorghum-producing areas of China, especially in Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Gansu and Liaoning provinces. The use of genetic resistance is the most appropriate and advantageous strategy for anthracnose control. However, the effectiveness and durability of this practice depends on knowledge concerning the genetic variability of C. sublineola. In this study, the pathogenicity of 61 sorghum isolates of C. sublineola collected from infected leaves of sorghum plants cultivated in 19 cities of China was tested on 10 sorghum genotypes. Base on reaction class and disease severity, six pathotypes of C. sublineola were identified and designated as GT1 to GT6. Pathotype GT6 was predominant pathotype in China. This is the first study showing the occurrence of C. sublineola pathotypes in China.