Colletotrichum Species Causing Anthracnose of Rubber Trees in China

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum is one of the most severe diseases of Hevea brasiliensis . However, research on the diversity and geographical distribution of Colletotrichum remains limited in China. In this study, we investigated the phylogenetic diversity of Colletotrichum isolates associated with symptomatic tissues of H . brasiliensis from four provinces of China (Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan). Based on multi-locus phylogenetic analyses and phenotypic characteristics, five species were distinguished, including two known species ( C . fructicola , C . siamense ), one novel species of C . gloeosporioides species complex ( C . ledongense ), and two novel species of C . acutatum species complex ( C . bannanense and C . australisinense ). Of these, C . siamense and C . australisinense have been recognized as major causative agents of anthracnose of H . brasiliensis .