Colletotrichum nigrum

Colletotrichum nigrum is a species of fungus in the family Glomerellaceae. It is a plant pathogen that causes anthracnose, a disease that affects a wide range of host plants.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1912 by mycologist E.J. Butler. The genus Colletotrichum includes several other important plant pathogens, such as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Colletotrichum acutatum.

Description

Colletotrichum nigrum is characterized by its dark, almost black coloration. The fungus produces conidia (asexual spores) that are cylindrical in shape and hyaline (transparent) in color. The conidia are typically disseminated by wind or rain splash, and can survive in plant debris in the soil.

Pathogenicity

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

Host range

The host range of Colletotrichum nigrum is broad and includes many economically important crops, such as strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, and beans. The fungus can also infect ornamental plants and trees.

Management

Management of Colletotrichum nigrum and the diseases it causes typically involves a combination of cultural practices, such as crop rotation and sanitation, and the use of fungicides. Resistant cultivars are also available for some crops.

See also

• List of Colletotrichum species
• Plant pathology

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