A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Morphological, Pathological and Genetic Diversity of the Colletotrichum Species, Pathogenic on Solanaceous Vegetable Crops in Bulgaria
Authors: Manova Vasilissa, Stoyanova Zornitsa, Rodeva Rossitza, Boycheva Irina, Korpelainen Helena, Vesterinen Eero, Wirta Helena, Bonchev Georgi
Publisher: MDPI
Publication year: 2022
Journal: Journal of Fungi
Journal name in source: JOURNAL OF FUNGI
Journal acronym: J FUNGI
Article number: 1123
Volume: 8
Issue: 11
Number of pages: 26
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jof8111123
Web address : https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/8/11/1123
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/177267909
Colletotrichum species are among the most devastating plant pathogens in a wide range of hosts. Their accurate identification requires a polyphasic approach, including geographical, ecological, morphological, and genetic data. Solanaceous crops are of significant economic importance for Bulgarian agriculture. Colletotrichum-associated diseases pose a serious threat to the yield and quality of production but are still largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize 26 pathogenic Colletotrichum isolates that threaten solanaceous crops based on morphological, pathogenic, and molecular data. DNA barcodes enabled the discrimination of three main taxonomic groups: C. acutatum, C. gloeosporioides, and C. coccodes. Three different species of acutatum complex (C. nymphaeae, C. godetiae, and C. salicis) and C. cigarro of the gloeosporioides complex were associated with fruit anthracnose in peppers and tomatoes. The C. coccodes group was divided in two clades: C. nigrum, isolated predominantly from fruits, and C. coccodes, isolated mainly from roots. Only C. salicis and C. cigarro produced sexual morphs. The species C. godetiae, C. salicis, and C. cigarro have not previously been reported in Bulgaria. Our results enrich the knowledge of the biodiversity and specific features of Colletotrichum species, which are pathogenic to solanaceous hosts, and may serve as a scientific platform for efficient disease control and resistance breeding.
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