Colletotrichum siamense causes anthracnose on the fruits of Pongamia pinnata in India

Abstract

Pongamia pinnata is an economically important biodiesel yielding plant. The growth and yield of this plant is inhibited by infections caused by fungal pathogens. In this study, we investigated the association and pathogenicity potentials of Colletotrichum siamense on fruits of P. pinnata collected from Gulbarga University Campus, Karnataka, India. The pathogen was isolated from pericarp (epicarp and endocarp) of P. pinnata by blotter and carpoplane method. Fungal characterization and identification was performed based on morphology and multi-locus phylogeny. Pathogenicity testing on P. pinnata fruits confirmed the pathogenic potential of the isolate. This is the first report of C. siamense as a causative agent of anthracnose on the fruits of P. pinnata from Karnataka, India. © Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences.