Identification, characterization and pathogenicity of <i>Colletotrichum asianum</i>,<i> C</i>.<i> fructicola</i>, and <i>C</i>.<i> laticiphilum</i> causing mango anthracnose in Vietnam

Mango (<i>Mangifera indica</i> L.) is famous for its flavor, aroma, and nutritional value. However, anthracnose caused by <i>Colletotrichum</i> is the most destructive postharvest disease of mango, causing significant economic losses. This study aimed to identify and characterize <i>Colletotrichum</i> species associated with mango anthracnose in Vietnam and evaluate their pathogenicity and cross-infection potential. Through examination of colony characteristics, conidia, and appressorial morphology, along with phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS region and five genetic markers (<i>gapdh</i>, <i>act</i>, <i>tub2</i>, <i>chs-1</i>, and <i>cal</i>), five isolates were classified into three distinct species: <i>C</i>. <i>asianum</i> (MH32, MH24, and MC76), <i>C</i>. <i>fructicola</i> (MC32), and <i>C</i>. <i>laticiphilum</i> (MC81). Notably, <i>C</i>. <i>fructicola</i> and <i>C</i>. <i>laticiphilum</i> are the two species identified for the first time on mangoes in Vietnam. Pathogenicity tests demonstrated that <i>C</i>. <i>fructicola</i> MC32 and <i>C</i>. <i>laticiphilum</i> MC81 caused anthracnose in mango, banana, guava, and tomato. Among the <i>C</i>. <i>asianum</i> isolates, differences in aggressiveness were observed: isolate MH32 caused anthracnose on mango, banana, guava, and tomato; isolate MC76 caused anthracnose on mango, banana, and tomato; and isolate MH24 affected only mango and tomato.