In silico Identification and Characterization of Pathogenicity Genes in Colletotrichum spp. causing Anthracnose in Cucumber

Anthracnose disease, caused by Colletotrichum spp., is a major threat to cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivation, resulting in significant crop losses. This study utilized in silico approaches to identify and characterize four key pathogenicity-related effectors: Necrosis- and Ethylene-Inducing Protein 1 (NEP1), Xylanase A, Cutinase and Pectate Lyase in Colletotrichum spp. causing anthracnose in cucumber. The effectors were evaluated for their pharmacokinetic properties, toxicity profiles and molecular target prediction. The results showed that NEP1 and Xylanase A have favorable gastrointestinal absorption and are predicted to interact with plant defense-related receptors. Cutinase and pectate lyase are involved in cell wall degradation. These results also support previous toxicity predictions that these effectors are non-carcinogenic and non-cytotoxic; however, pectate lyase might affect the liver, while NEP1 CI-IC is immunotoxic. These effectors are likely to significantly contribute to Colletotrichum pathogenicity through suppression of host defenses and aiding tissue colonization respectively. STRING database analysis further suggests that these effector proteins interact with plant defense mechanisms, underscoring their critical role in weakening the plant's immune system and promoting disease progression. Results are valuable for understanding effector protein function and finding potential targets for future control strategies to augment cucumber resistance.