Diversity of Colletotrichum Species Associated with Anthracnose Disease in Tropical Fruit Crops—A Review

Abstract

In tropical fruit crops, anthracnose is mainly caused by species belonging to the fungal genus, Colletotrichum. These phytopathogens can infect several parts of the fruit crops; however, infection during postharvest or ripening stages is responsible for major economic losses. Due to the formation of black to dark brown sunken lesions on the fruit surface, anthracnose reduces fruit quality and marketability. Among the most common tropical fruit crops susceptible to anthracnose are mango, papaya, banana, avocado, guava, and dragon fruit; these are economically relevant products in many developing countries. It is important to document that the newly recorded Colletotrichum spp. associated with fruit anthracnose can infect multiple hosts, but some species may be host-specific. By using multiple markers, many phylogenetic species of Colletotrichum have been reported as anthracnose-causing pathogens. Taking into account that disease management strategies strongly rely on adequate knowledge of the causative agents, updated information on Colletotrichum species and the hazard posed by the most recently identified species in tropical fruit plantations and harvested fruits becomes vital. Besides, the newly recorded species may be important for biosecurity and should be listed as quarantine pathogens, considering that tropical fruits are traded worldwide.