Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes causing anthracnose on pomegranate in Turkey

During spring 2017, an anthracnose-like foliar disease was observed in the pomegranate orchards in the region. Disease incidence (%) ranged from 15 to 22. The objectives of this study were to characterise this fungal pathogen, based on morphology, molecular characteristics and pathogenicity. Foliar symptoms progressed light to dark brown, concentric, circular, distinct spots with yellowish halos. Also, salmon coloured spore masses were observed on pomegranate cv. Hicaz leaves in Kozan district. Cultural and morphological examinations and DNA sequence data revealed that the fungus associated with symptomatic leaves was Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Pathogenicity testing was performed by inoculation of healthy leaves with a spore suspension of C. gloeosporioides. This confirmed C. gloeosporioides as causal agent of anthracnose symptoms on pomegranate in Turkey.