Morpho-molecular characterisation and epitypification of Colletotrichum capsici (Glomerellaceae, Sordariomycetes), the causative agent of anthracnose in chilli

Abstract

Colletotrichum capsici is an economically important anamorphic taxon that causes anthracnose in chilli (Capsicum annuum, C. frutcscens). Vermicularia capsici (= Colletotrichum capsici) deposited by H. Sydow in S was not designated as a holotype in the protologue and is, therefore, designated as the lectotype in this paper. The specimen is in relatively good condition, but could not provide viable cultures necessary to obtain DNA sequence data. Fresh specimens of this species were, therefore, collected from chilli fruit (Capsicum frutcscens) in the proximity of the original location. Morphological characters of the fresh specimens are compared with those of the lectotype. The taxon is redescribed and illustrated. An epitype for Colletotrichum capsici with living cultures is designated in order to stabilise the application of the species name. Phylogenies based on the combined partial P-tubulin gene and ITS nu-rDNA sequence-data suggest a close phylogenetic relationship of the epitype with C. capsici strains from Thailand. The use of named strains of Colletotrichum from culture collections is advised against.