Primeiro relato de Colletotrichum siamense e C. theobromicola causando antracnose em achachairu (Garcinia humilis)

Abstract

The achachairu (Garcinia humilis; family Clusiaceae) has a high market potential, with easy cultivation, from transportation to pharmaceutical and food applications. Its rind is used as a fortifier in cereal-based foods. However, the crop's productivity can be reduced by the occurrence of phytosanitary problems. The genus Colletotrichum, the causal agent of anthracnose, is a cosmopolitan fungus and has been considered one of the most important pathogens in the world. Its infection is characterized by small necrotic and depressed lesions that coalesce and form large areas on the epidermis of the fruit, reducing its shelf life. In this context, the aim of this study was to identify Colletotrichum species associated with anthracnose in Garcinia humilis. Samples of achachairu fruit and leaf leaves were collected in the rural area of the municipality of Vitória de Santo Antão, Pernambuco, in 2024. Molecular characterization was carried out by extracting the total DNA, which was used as a template for amplifying the GAPDH, TUB2, APN2 genes and ApMAT region, and then sequenced at ACTGene Molecular Analyses. Cultural characterization was carried out by measuring the mycelial growth of the isolates obtained in this study and aspects of the colonies. Morphological characterization was carried out by measuring conidia and appressoria. Based on the analysis of multilocus sequences, together with the morphocultural characteristics, it was possible to demonstrate the occurrence of two species of Colletotrichum on achachairu in the state of Pernambuco: C. siamense and C. theobromicola. This is the first report of C. siamense and C. theobromicola on achachairu in the world.