Chili anthracnose: Colletotrichum taxonomy and pathogenicity

Chili anthracnose is caused by Colletotrichum species mostly associated with the acutatum, truncatum and gloeosporioides complexes. Since 2009 the Colletotrichum taxonomy has been extensively revised based on multigene phylogenetics, which has had a large impact on the number of species known to cause anthracnose disease of chili. This review discusses (i) the taxonomy of Colletotrichum spp. infecting chili, and (ii) the impact of Colletotrichum pathotypes on breeding for resistance to anthracnose. To date, 24 Colletotrichum species have been identified as pathogens of chili anthracnose, with the three main pathogens being C. scovillei, C. truncatum and C. siamense. Identification of several pathotypes within these three Colletotrichum species, particularly pathotypes that can overcome resistance in the related Capsicum species, Ca. chinense and Ca. baccatum, will be of major concern to plant breeders as they develop resistant chili genotypes from the transfer of resistance genes from these Capsicum species into Ca. annuum. Accurate identification of the Colletotrichum species causing anthracnose and improved understanding of the biology of the Colletotrichum species and their interaction with the host will enable the application of improved integrated disease management techniques.