Incidence Of Anthracnose Research Articles

Plant growth promotion and chilli anthracnose disease suppression ability of rhizosphere soil actinobacteria.

The aim of this study was to screen potential plant growth promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) actinobacterial isolate with effective inhibition against anthracnose causing fungal pathogen Colletotrichum capsici. In this study, actinobacterias were isolated from rhizosphere soil using dilution plate method and tested for antagonistic potential against pathogenic fungi C. capsici. In primary and secondary screening tests, the actinobacterial isolate BS-26 displayed high antagonistic activity against the fungal pathogen. Isolate BS-26 was identified as Streptomyces violaceoruber based on 16S rDNA sequencing. Furthermore, indole acetic acid production, phosphate solubilization and ammonia production have been confirmed in the S. violaceoruber that suggest their potential to be used as PGPR bacteria. A green house experiment showed that application of S. violaceoruber fermentation broth reduced the incidence of the chilli anthracnose and promoted the growth of chilli seedlings with a significant increase in germination %, total plant height, fresh weight and chlorophyll content when compared to controls. Streptomyces violaceoruber can be applied as a biofertilizer and biocontrol agent for growing chillies against the attack of fungal pathogen C. capsici. The damage caused by anthracnose disease is an issue of concern, affecting negatively the economy involved in chilli cultivation. As chemical methods of control have serious disadvantages, biocontrol approach using beneficial (PGPR) micro-organisms shall be a better alternative to control crop diseases.

Control of Anthracnose and Gray Mold in Pepper Plants Using Culture Extract of White-Rot Fungus and Active Compound Schizostatin

Fungi produce various secondary metabolites that have beneficial and harmful effects on other organisms. Those bioactive metabolites have been explored as potential medicinal and antimicrobial resources. However, the activities of the culture filtrate (CF) and metabolites of white-rot fungus (Schizophyllum commune) have been underexplored. In this study, we assayed the antimicrobial activities of CF obtained from white-rot fungus against various plant pathogens and evaluated its efficacy for controlling anthracnose and gray mold in pepper plants. The CF inhibited the mycelial growth of various fungal plant pathogens, but not of bacterial pathogens. Diluted concentrations of CF significantly suppressed the severity of anthracnose and gray mold in pepper fruits. Furthermore, the incidence of anthracnose in field conditions was reduced by treatment with a 12.5% dilution of CF. The active compound responsible for the antifungal and disease control activity was identified and verified as schizostatin. Our results indicate that the CF of white-rot fungus can be used as an eco-friendly natural product against fungal plant pathogens. Moreover, the compound, schizostatin could be used as a biochemical resource or precursor for development as a pesticide. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the control of plant diseases using CF and active compound from white-rot fungus. We discussed the controversial antagonistic activity of schizostatin and believe that the CF of white-rot fungus or its active compound, schizostatin, could be used as a biochemical pesticide against fungal diseases such as anthracnose and gray mold in many vegetables.

Development, characterisation and efficacy evaluation of biochemical fungicidal formulations for postharvest control of anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz) disease in mango

The objectives of the study are to develop and characterise formulations with volatile molecules in an emulsifiable concentrate form, for their antimicrobial properties and to evaluate their efficacies against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz., to control anthracnose in mangoes after harvest. Results showed EC39 and EC40 among formulations were characterised for their excellent emulsification properties, the droplet size of 192.34 ± 0.48 nm and 227.4 ± 0.71 nm and Zeta potential of −52.5 ± 2.76 mv and −48.84 ± 2.62 mv, respectively, with better storage stability at 10 ± 20 °C and RH 80 ± 5%. In vitro assay, 100% inhibition of visual spore germination by 0.15% and 0.2% MIC value for EC39 and EC40, respectively Studies on the efficacy of their fungicide properties also indicated the IC50 value of 0.161% and 0.162% for EC39 and EC40 respectively for mycelial growth inhibition. In vivo testing too, EC39 and EC40 effectively controlled anthracnose incidence in mango in a dosage-dependent manner.

Bagging time of ‘Prata-anã’ banana regarding anthracnose control

Abstract The aim of this work was to determine the bagging time of ‘Prata Anã’ banana in order to reduce anthracnose disease. Treatments consisted of protection of banana bunches with TNT bags at emission, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after emission and of unpacked bunches. Fruits were collected, stored in refrigeration chamber (25 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 5% RH) and evaluated for anthracnose incidence and severity. The study design was completely randomized with six treatments, repeated over two years. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey test (p <0.05). The physical and chemical characteristics of stored fruits were evaluated every three days for 12 days. The study design was completely randomized with six treatments, four evaluation periods, repeated over two years. Results were submitted to analysis of variance and regression (p <0.05). The anthracnose incidence was reduced by up to 67% by bagging bunches at emission. Bunches bagged at emission and at the first month of development did not show anthracnose severity. Bagging bunches reduces anthracnose incidence and severity. The bagging time does not interfere with the physical and chemical characteristics of fruits.

Silicon accumulation and its effect on agricultural traits and anthracnose incidence in lignocellulosic sorghum

ABSTRACT Silicon (Si) accumulation in plants may reduce yield losses by inducing resistance to both abiotic and biotic stresses. This study aimed to evaluate the Si accumulation by lignocellulosic sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in a greenhouse experiment, as well as the effect of its application on agricultural traits and on the induction of resistance against anthracnose (Colletotrichum sublineolum) in a field experiment. Sixteen sorghum genotypes were evaluated in a greenhouse for their response to silicate fertilization, receiving either 0 kg ha-1 or 261 kg ha-1 of Si, measuring the Si concentration in the sorghum shoots. Four genotypes that were responsive to Si fertilization were tested in the field, receiving either 0 kg ha-1 or 400 kg ha-1 of Si, being evaluated the Si concentration on the leaves, plant height, lodging percentage, anthracnose disease severity, grain yield and plant fresh and dry matter. The response of sorghum to Si fertilization in the greenhouse varied with the genotype and, of the 16 genotypes evaluated, 12 were responsive, accumulating more Si after the fertilization with this element. All four genotypes tested in the field were responsive, but no effect of Si was observed on grain yield or on sorghum fresh and dry matter production. However, the soil Si application reduced the plant lodging and anthracnose severity ratings in sorghum.

Prevalence and severity of fungal diseases in IPM and non-IPM chilli, Capsicum annuum L fields

A field experiment was conducted at Regadaguduru village, Velugodu Mandal, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh to study the prevalence and incidence of fungal diseases by following IPM technologies available for chilli during 2013–14. During the season powdery mildew caused by Leveillula taurica (Lev) Arn appeared in the third week of November. The incidence ranged from 15.63 to 27.39 per cent in IPM as against 18.37 to 32.32 per cent in non-IPM plots. It reached peak incidence in the first week of January (30.28%). The seasonal average of powdery mildew was 22.74 per cent in IPM as compared to 26.74 per cent in non-IPM plots. Dieback and fruit rot or anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum capsici incidence started early in the season during second week of November and reached its peak in the last week of January and declined thereafter. The incidence of dieback ranged from 9.25 to 21.45 per cent in IPM as against 11.42 to 25.23 per cent in non-IPM plots. The seasonal average incidence of dieback and fruit rot or anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum capsici was 15.20 per cent in IPM as against 18.98 per cent in non-IPM plots. The incidence of wilt/root rot ranged from 3.95 to 9.38 per cent in IPM plots as against 5.62 to 15.88 per cent in non-IPM plots. The incidence of wilt started late in the season by October and reached its peak by December. The average seasonal wilt/root rot incidence was 7.20 per cent in the IPM and 10.91 in non-IPM plots. It was noticed that the disease incidence is reduced by using location specific IPM strategies in chilli.

Estimation of plant health in a sorghum field infected with anthracnose using a fixed-wing unmanned aerial system

ABSTRACT Diseases cause enormous losses of yield and quality for crop producers worldwide. To meet future food demands, crops are bred for resistance to as many of these maladies as possible. One such disease, anthracnose [Colletotrichum sublineola], is a fungal disease of great importance to sorghum [Sorghum bicolor, L. Moench] production because it causes significant annual economic losses in the crop. Breeding for anthracnose resistance requires time-consuming phenotyping, which is subjective and conditional to the evaluator. It is possible that quantitative assessment using high-throughput methodologies to estimate the trait may be more effective. In this study, we present an in-depth statistical analysis of fixed-wing, unmanned aerial system (UAS) evaluation of anthracnose incidence and severity in sorghum using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). In early phases of infection, correlations between ground-truth and UAS estimates of anthracnose were moderate but they increased substantially by the end of the season (r = −0.55 to −0.95). Additionally, both metrics had moderate-to-high repeatabilities throughout the growth period (R = 0.60–0.90), indicating they were consistently able to differentiate genotypes. Finally, we found that the UAS-derived measurements (R 2 = 0.377, 0.473) were better associated with ground-truth measurements (R 2 = 0.278, 0.347) for grain yield under anthracnose pressure. The results of this study indicated that fixed-wing UAS could potentially be effective for evaluating anthracnose disease present in sorghum, and the greater range of the UAS allowed the effective evaluation of larger numbers of plants than ground truth or traditional remote sensing methods.

Effects of chitosan treatment on avocado postharvest diseases and expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, chitinase and lipoxygenase genes

Stem-end rot (Lasiodiplodia theobromae) and anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) are major postharvest diseases in avocado that cause severe postharvest losses throughout the supply chain. One of the strategies to reduce development of such decay agents resides in the application of resistance inducers (e.g. chitosan), capable of reducing fungal growth and inducing resistance in fruit tissues.The influence of chitosan treatment (1% or 1.5% w/v) was investigated on decay incidence, gene expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chitinase (CHI) and lipoxygenase (LOX) and antioxidant enzyme activity [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)] in i) drop-inoculated (without wounding) or ii) artificially infected (with wounding) avocado (cv. ‘Hass’) with L. theobromae or C. gloeosporioides pathogens and also in iii) naturally infected (natural inoculum) avocado. Fruit were dipped in 1% or 1.5% w/v chitosan dissolved in water for 3 min, followed by storage for 14 d and 28 d respectively at 7.5 °C, and thereafter for 5 d at 18 °C to simulate market shelf conditions.Chitosan at 1.5% significantly reduced the incidence of stem-end rot and anthracnose in both inoculated and naturally infected avocados. The up-regulation of PAL and down-regulation of LOX genes moderately allowed higher epicatechin contents (90 mg kg−1 FW) in the exocarp, which could have contributed to improved anthracnose control. The up-regulation of CHI genes and higher SOD activity could have contributed to control of stem-end rot. Chitosan solution (1.5%) retained moderate levels of C7 sugars and firmness up to 5 d shelf life. The control of stem-end rot and anthracnose of avocados obtained with 1.5% chitosan can be ascribed to a combination of its antifungal and eliciting properties.

Exploiting Biocontrol Potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (sic.) Fukumoto for the Management of Mungbean Anthracnose

Experiments were conducted during 2017 to 2018 to manage anthracnose in mungbean caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magn.) Scrib using Bacillus spp. A total of eight Bacillus spp were evaluated of which Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (sic.) Fukumoto recorded significantly the highest growth inhibition of 54.8 per cent. The second best antagonist was B. licheniformis with C. lindemuthianum by 48.14 per cent and it was followed by B. endophyticus which inhibited mycelial growth by 41.11 per cent. Bacillus spp tested for the presence of lipopeptide biosynthetic genes viz., Iturin A, Fengycin, and Surfactin, all the eight strains showed positive for fengycin and seven strains were positive for Iturin A and six strains were positive for surfactin. All the three antibiotic genes were found in B. amyloliquefaciens. The crude antibiotics were extracted from B. amyloliquefaciens associated with inhibition of C. lindemuthianum. The presence of antifungal compounds in secondary metabolities were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). The strain B. amyloliquefaciens was formulated in liquid for pot culture studies. Seed treatment with B. amyloliquefaciens @ 10 ml/kg seed + foliar spray of B. amyloliquefaciens @ 10ml/ litre at 25 DAS was found to be effective in reducing the incidence of anthracnose in mungbean by 62.05 per cent. This treatment also recorded increased plant height, pods per plant and per plant yield.

Studies on the Incidence of Anthracnose Disease in Different Varieties of Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) and it's in Vitro Biocontrol Measures

Anthracnose of mango caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) is a very serious disease. Leaves, panicles, immature and mature fruits of mango are infected and damaged by this disease. The symptoms of this disease on infected parts were noted. The incidence of disease on leaves was studied on fourteen varieties of mango viz. Himsagar, Dashehari, Vanraj, Farnandin, Mulgoa, Bombai, Kishanbhog, Bangalora, Alphanso, Langra, Mallika, Zardalu, Chausa and Suvarnrekha. In all the varieties the incidence of anthracnose ranged from 1 - 15 per cent. The disease incidence was maximum (15.00 per cent) in Kishanbhog followed by Bombai (12.00 per cent), Himsagar (9.00 per cent) and Bangalora (8.00 per cent). In contrast, the disease incidence was recorded minimum in Alphanso (1.00 per cent). Trichoderma viride and Beauveria bassiana were applied against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in vitro and their antagonistic activity were recorded.

Chitosan-propolis combination inhibits anthracnose in 'Hass' avocados

The effect of chitosan-propolis combination on the control of in vitro and in vivo growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, a causal agent of anthracnose, as well as on the quality of avocado of Hass cultivar has been evaluated. Chitosan and propolis were added to the culture medium separately and in combinations to verify the efficacy of inhibition of C. gloeosporioides mycelium in vitro. Avocados were immersed for 1 minute in the treatments that best inhibited the mycelium growth (in vitro) with the aim of testing the fungus control in vivo. The tested treatments were 1.5% chitosan and combinations of propolis (1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%) with 1.5% chitosan and then inoculated with C. gloeosporioides. Control fruits were dipped in distilled water only. In the second experiment, avocados were immersed for 1 minute in the treatments that best inhibited the mycelium growth (in vivo) with the aim of testing the fruits quality. The tested treatments were 1.5% chitosan isolated and in the combination of 1.5% chitosan with 1.5% propolis. The control treatment were immersed only in distilled water. Avocados were stored at 22 ± 0.3 °C and 90 ± 3% RH for 7 days. The use of 1.5% chitosan in combination with 2.0% propolis controlled the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in vitro. In addition, coating with only 1.5% chitosan provided the best results in avocados, reducing the severity and incidence of anthracnose and maintaining the fruit quality.

Essential Oils in the Control of Anthracnose on ‘Prata Ana’ Banana

Alternative forms of disease control in fruits have been researched in an attempt to minimize the negative effects of chemical control on men and environment. The aim of this study was to determine the best concentration of essential oils to control the development of Colletotrichum musae and anthracnose intensity in ‘Prata Anã’ banana. In order to inhibit germination, mycelial growth and sporulation, four essential oils of clove (Eugenia caryophyllus), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) species were used at concentrations of 2, 4, 6 and 8 μL. In fruits, the same essential oils were applied at concentrations of 80, 160, 240 and 320 μL to evaluate the incidence and severity of anthracnose. Clove and thyme oils were the most efficient in inhibiting mycelial growth, germination and sporulation at all concentrations tested. The volatile compounds present in clove and thyme oils provide complete inhibition of fungal growth. Tea tree and ginger oils have the ability to suppress anthracnose in ‘Prata Anã’ banana. Concentrations of 160 μL of ginger oil, 160 and 240 μL of tea tree oil reduced the anthracnose severity in fruits. Ginger and tea tree essential oils have the potential to control banana anthracnose, reducing the anthracnose incidence in fruits by 48% and 24%, respectively.

Evaluating Host Resistance to Limit Colletotrichum coccodes on Onion

Leaf and neck anthracnose is incited by Colletotrichum coccodes (Wallr.) Hughes, a new foliar disease of onion (Allium cepa L.) in Michigan that has been observed in the state since 2010. Symptoms include elliptical lesions on the leaves, necks, or both that appear bleached with a pale salmon to dark brown center. To develop an effective integrated disease management strategy, field studies were conducted in 2011 and 2012 to evaluate 16 commercial onion cultivars for their susceptibility to the pathogen. The incidence and severity of anthracnose were evaluated weekly following inoculation. Onion cultivars differed significantly in disease severity and incidence; differences between years were also observed. ‘Hendrix’ had the lowest disease severity, whereas ‘Highlander’ and ‘Candy’ exhibited severe onion leaf and neck anthracnose symptoms. Using less susceptible onion cultivars combined with effective fungicides against C. coccodes may limit crop losses for Michigan growers.

Evaluation of kaolin and cinnamon essential oil to manage two pests and a fungal disease of sour cherry at different tree canopy levels

We studied the effects of kaolin particle film applications on major sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) pests and fruit quality and evaluated the ability of cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) to reduce infestations by cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi (Linnaeus 1758) (Diptera: Tephritidae), in the field. Efficacy of kaolin particle films (Surround WP, Engelhard Corporation; applied at 4% concentration) was compared at two application frequencies (one and two applications). The essential oil of cinnamon (applied at 0.25% concentration) was sprayed five times on selected trees. As the amount of damage caused by pests may vary between different parts of the canopy, both kaolin and essential oil treatments were evaluated at two canopy levels. We found that the damage of R. cerasi and stone fruit weevil, Anthonomus rectirostris (Linnaeus 1758) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), on the fruits occurred primarily in the upper third of the canopy, while the incidence of sour cherry anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatum J. H. Simmonds 1968 (Glomerellales: Glomerellaceae) was concentrated to the lower third of the canopy. Two kaolin particle film applications significantly reduced the fruit injury caused by R. cerasi by 62% (Abbott’s efficacy). In contrast, the treatments showed no activity against A. rectirostris and C. acutatum, although infestation by A. rectirostris was numerically lower on the trees treated with kaolin (19–32% efficacy). The kaolin applications did not affect the average fruit weight (g/100 cherries) and soluble solid content (SSC, %). The cinnamon essential oil applications did not control infestations by R. cerasi. Overall, our results suggest that kaolin particle film technology is a promising tool in pest management programs in organic sour cherry production, at least against R. cerasi.

The antagonistic action of Trichoderma harzianum strain DGA01 against anthracnose-causing pathogen in mango cv. ‘Carabao’

ABSTRACTThe mechanisms of control and efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum strain DGA01 against anthracnose-causing pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in mango cv. ‘Carabao’ were examined. The action of DGA01 towards C. gloeosporioides was mycoparasitism and production of metabolites. DGA01 parasitised the pathogen by coiling its mycelia and spores on both artificial media and mango fruit surfaces. DGA01 was a parasitic necrotroph capable of killing C. gloeosporioides in 14 days of coexistence in artificial media. Dipping fruit in conidial suspension (106 mL L−1) of DGA01 significantly decreased the incidence of anthracnose as compared to untreated fruit. Reduction in anthracnose severity was 87.90% showing high antagonistic potential of DGA01 in vivo.

Efficacy of Bacillus spp. to biocontrol of anthracnose and enhance plant growth on Andean lupin seeds by lipopeptide production

Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum acutatum, is the major fungal disease of Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis). The primary infection point is contaminated seed. The objective of this study was to evaluate four Bacillus strains with demonstrated abilities to control anthracnose on lupin seed to elucidate its mechanisms of antifungal activity. First, antifungal activity assays using living cells and cell-free compounds showed a strong ability to inhibit mycelial growth and conidial germination of C. acutatum. Based on these results, the two Bacillus strains that showed the highest antifungal activities were further screened for lipopeptide identification and the presence of lipopeptide genes. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) of butanolic extracts from cell-free compounds showed that both Bacillus strains produced antifungal lipopeptides, indicating that antibiosis could be a major factor involved in its biological control ability. TLC-bioautography analyses confirmed the presence of fengycin, iturin and surfactin lipopeptides and suggested that the strong antifungal activity could be associated only with fengycin lipopeptides. PCR amplification of the lipopeptide genes also displayed the presence of fengycin E, iturin B and surfactin B genes responsible for the antifungal activity of both strains. Bacteria treatments and cell-free compounds significantly reduced anthracnose incidence from 94% to 0% (untreated control). Seedlings grown from Bacillus treated seeds showed an increment in chlorophyll and protein contents, as well as in defence enzymes peroxidase and catalase, in comparison with seedlings grown from untreated control. These results suggest that Bacillus spp. strains are potential agents to control anthracnose infection on Andean lupin seed mediated by lipopeptide production, and they positively affect physiological processes and overall growth of lupin seedlings.

Colletotrichum fructicola, a Member of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides sensu lato, is the Causal Agent of Anthracnose and Soft Rot in Avocado Fruits cv. “Hass”

The filamentous Ascomycota Colletotrichum gloeosporioides sensu lato is a fungus that has been reported worldwide as a causal agent of anthracnose disease in avocado and other crops. In Mexico, this species affects fruits from an early stage of development in the orchard until the post-harvest stage. Although fungicides are continuously applied to control Colletotrichum species, pericarp cankers and soft rot mesocarp in fruits are still frequently observed. Considering the lack of a precise description of the causative agent, the aim of the current study was to determine the pathogens involved in this symptomatology. Twenty-four isolates were consistently obtained from the pericarp of avocado fruits cv. “Hass” collected in the central avocado-producing area of Mexico. Morphological features such as colony growth, conidia size, and mycelial appressorium were assessed. Bayesian multilocus phylogenetic analyses were performed using amplified sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal DNA; actin, chitin synthase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase partial genes; and APn2-Mat1-2 intergenic spacer and mating type Mat1-2 partial gene from the nine selected isolates. In addition, fruits were inoculated with a conidial suspension and reproducible symptoms confirmed the presence of Colletotrichum fructicola in this area. This pathogenic species can now be added to those previously reported in the country, such as C. acutatum, C. boninense, C. godetiae, C. gloeosporioides, and C. karstii. Disease management programs to reduce the incidence of anthracnose should include C. fructicola to determine its response to fungicides that are routinely applied, considering that the appearance of new species is affecting the commercial quality of the fruits and shifting the original population structure.

Biological control of olive anthracnose

Olive anthracnose, a fungal disease caused by species of the genus Colletotrichum, is responsible for severe yield losses and poor oil quality. Typical symptoms appear in autumn or early winter, when the drupes begin to ripen. Under favorable conditions, symptoms on branches and leaves can also occur, leading to chlorosis, severe defoliation, and death of woody organs. Symptomless infection of flowers and blights have also been reported. Latent fruit infections could play an important role as the inoculum source for the autumn-winter epidemics. Application of systemic fungicides has proved effective in field trials, and pre-flowering sprays contribute to reduce latent infection and the inoculum density for autumn infection. However, public concerns about potential risks on the environment and human health promoted the search for alternative and sustainable means. Therefore, the activity of a new sulfur-based product and biocontrol agents (Bacillus subtilis, and endophytic isolates of Aureobasidium pullulans) in reducing the incidence of olive anthracnose was evaluated under field conditions. The sulfur-based product and B. subtilis applied at the pre-flowering stage were as effective as the chemical fungicides in reducing the incidence of latent infections on drupes. Moreover, some endophytic strains of A. pullulans provided high protection levels against Colletotrichum spp. when applied at the pre-flowering and veraison stages. Overall, data indicated that olive anthracnose can be controlled by using biological means and new products could be considered for introduction in the list of the organic product specification.

Antifungal effects of Rhus coriaria L. fruit extracts against tomato anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum acutatum

The prevalence of Anthracnose disease, which is caused by a number of Colletotrichum spp., takes its toll on the tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and poses a significant economic constraint on its production. Successful efforts towards controlling this organism remain a deficient task. Rhus coriaria fruit extracts were subjected to screening, in vitro and in vivo, for antifungal activities. Under light and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the crude extract’s effect on the morphological structures of hyphae underwent an observation and study. Experimental results surfaced proofs that acetone, aqueous, methanol, and ethanol extracts have fungicidal properties on C. acutatum (GenBank accession No. KT215296) growth, which multiplied when extract concentrations were higher. Observations from scanning electron microscope showed that active extracts led to hyphal degradation where the hyphae were retarded. Tomato plants and fruits, which were treated with aqueous extracts, have been observed to have a significantly lower disease incidence, index, and severity. The anthracnose incidence in fruits that were coated with aqueous extract exhibited a maximum reduction with severity scores consistently at (0%). Aqueous extract in the glass house test significantly reduced the total area ‎under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and disease severity in the studied disease. The shoot height, root length, dry shoot height, dry root length, chlorophyll content and leaf surface area significantly improved and increased with these treatments. The results indicate that R. coriaria extract can be judged as a cost effective and eco-friendly replacement to chemical fungicides in the management of tomato anthracnose disease.

Most Colletotrichum species associated with tree tomato (Solanum betaceum) and mango (Mangifera indica) crops are not host‐specific

An important constraint for crop production in Colombia is the high incidence of anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species. Although several studies have focused on these fungi, the relationship between the different fungal species within the genus and their hosts and whether they display any host preference or host specificity has yet to be examined. In Colombia, diseases caused by Colletotrichum species are particularly severe in mango (Mangifera indica) and tree tomato (Solanum betaceum) crops. In a previous investigation, the Colletotrichum phylogenetic species attacking these crops were identified. The present study aimed to determine whether isolates collected from tree tomato and mango showed host preference or host specificity by assessing aggressiveness, spore density, latent period, and fitness of each strain on the two hosts. In the departments of Cundinamarca and Tolima, Colombia, isolates were collected from plants that presented typical anthracnose symptoms and were identified as C. acutatum, C. asianum, C. boninense, C. gloeosporioides, C. tamarilloi and C. theobromicola. Inoculation of conidia of each isolate onto both hosts showed isolates had no host preference and only the C. gloeosporioides isolate showed host specificity. However, in general, isolates produced a higher spore density when inoculated on the alternate host, which may indicate a difference in the degree of adaptation to each host. Statistical analyses of the assessed parameter values revealed that isolates use different infection strategies when infecting each host. In light of these results, the implications of using quantitative estimations of fitness when studying fungal pathogens are discussed.