Diversity of Colletotrichum species associated with torch ginger anthracnose

ABSTRACT

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species is one of the most important diseases of torch ginger. The disease leads to loss of aesthetic and commercial value of torch ginger stems. This study aimed to characterize Colletotrichum species associated with torch ginger anthracnose in the production areas of Pernambuco and Ceará. A total of 48 Colletotrichum isolates were identified using molecular techniques. Pathogenicity tests were performed on torch ginger with representative isolates. Phylogenetic analyses based on seven loci—DNA lyase (APN2), intergenic spacer between DNA lyase and the mating-type locus MAT1-2-1 (APN2/MAT-IGS), calmodulin (CAL), intergenic spacer between glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and a hypothetical protein (GAP2-IGS), glutamine synthetase (GS), and β-tubulin (TUB2)—revealed that they belong to five known Colletotrichum species, namely, C. chrysophilum, C. fructicola, C. siamense, C. theobromicola, and C. tropicale, and three newly discovered species, described here as C. atlanticum, C. floscerae, and C. zingibericola. Of these, C. atlanticum was the most dominant. Pathogenicity assays showed that all isolates were pathogenic to torch ginger bracts. All species are reported for the first time associated with torch ginger in Brazil. The present study contributes to the current understanding of the diversity of Colletotrichum species associated with anthracnose on torch ginger and demonstrates the importance of accurate species identification for effective disease management strategies.

KEYWORDS:

• Diversity
• Etlingera
• ornamental
• prevalence
• virulence
• 3 new taxa

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/00275514.2023.2227747

Additional information

Funding

Ingrid G. Duarte, Ana G. G. Amaral, and Anthony C. Silva acknowledge “Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)” for the master’s degree scholarship. Marcos P. S. Câmara acknowledges CNPq for funding (universal number 408724/2018-8) and for the research productivity fellowship. Willie A. S. Vieira acknowledges the “Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento Pessoal de Ensino Superior (CAPES)” and the “Programa Nacional de Pós-Doutorado/CAPES (PNPD/CAPES)” for the postdoctoral fellowships. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.