Colletotrichum acutatum

Colletotrichum acutatum is a species of fungus that belongs to the Ascomycota phylum. It is a plant pathogen that causes anthracnose disease in a wide range of host plants.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1990 by Alan J.L. Phillips, a British mycologist. It belongs to the genus Colletotrichum, which comprises several species known for their pathogenicity in plants.

Description

Colletotrichum acutatum is characterized by its conidia, which are typically elongated, hyaline, and have pointed ends. The fungus produces orange to salmon-colored masses of spores on the host plant's tissue.

Pathogenicity

Colletotrichum acutatum is a necrotrophic fungus, meaning it kills the host tissue and then feeds on the dead material. It causes anthracnose disease, which is characterized by the formation of dark, sunken lesions on the fruit, leaves, and stems of the host plant. The disease can lead to significant yield losses in affected crops.

Host Range

Colletotrichum acutatum has a wide host range, infecting many different types of plants. It is particularly problematic in strawberry crops, but can also infect other fruits such as peaches, apricots, and avocados. In addition, it can cause disease in ornamental plants such as camellias and rhododendrons.

Management

Management of Colletotrichum acutatum involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include the use of resistant varieties, crop rotation, and sanitation measures to reduce the amount of inoculum in the field. Chemical control typically involves the use of fungicides.

See Also

• Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
• Anthracnose
• Plant Pathology