The Occurrence of Colletotrichum karstii and C. fructicola Causes Anthracnose on Endangered Ethnic Vegetable Yunnanopilia longistaminea in Yunnan, China

The study investigates the morphological and phylogenetic characteristics of <i>Colletotrichum</i> species linked to anthracnose on <i>Yunnanopilia longistaminea</i> (<i>Opiliaceae</i>) in Yunnan, China. From July 2023 to July 2024, foliar anthracnose on <i>Y. longistaminea</i> 20-year-old plants with an incidence rate of 16% and two-year-old seedlings with an incidence rate of >90% were investigated in Yunnan, China. Based on morphological features and molecular approaches, four isolates of <i>Colletotrichum</i> were identified as <i>C. karstii</i> and <i>C. fructicola</i>. Two species were verified to induce foliar anthracnose by validating Koch's postulates. This is the first report of <i>C. karstii</i> and <i>C. fructicola</i> inducing foliar anthracnose on <i>Y. longistaminea</i> in Yunnan, China, and globally. These findings enhance our understanding of the fungal pathogens affecting <i>Y. longistaminea</i> leaves and provides a theoretical basis of conservation and disease management in the study area. Further research is needed to explore these species' ecological impacts and potential control measures in agricultural practices and wild resources protection.