Detection of Colletotrichum pyricola on urban trees of Embothrium coccineum in Chile

Abstract

The genus Colletotrichum comprises several species in cryptic complexes that cannot be easily recognizable using morphological and cultural characteristics. As a consequence of the lack of morphological characters suitable for identification, DNA sequence analyses are now typically used as the primary basis in diagnosis and description of new species of Colletotrichum. In this study, based on a multi-locus phylogeny analysis, C. pyricola was identified on leaves of Embothrium coccineum in Chile, corresponding to the first report of this fungus in the country. Colletotrichum pyricola is a member of the C. acutatum complex, morphologically sharing features with several species of this group, being necessary the combination of morphological and molecular data for its identification. Species of Colletotrichum cause diseases in a wide range of hosts, making it important to establish an accurate diagnosis of the species for plant pathology or quarantine purposes.