Cultural and Morphological Characterization Studies on Colletotrichum spp. Causing Anthracnose Disease of Soybean in Telangana, India

Abstract

Aim: A comprehensive study was conducted to characterize the morphological and cultural variability among Colletotrichum spp. isolates associated with anthracnose disease in soybean from major growing districts of Telangana, India. Study Design: The present study was conducted at the Department of Plant Pathology, CIC, SRTC, IBT and ARS, PJTAU, Telangana, India during Kharif (June–October, 2023) Methodology: Twenty-seven Colletotrichum isolates (C-1 to C-27) were obtained and characterized based on colony morphology, radial growth, mycelial dry weight and microscopic features such as conidial shape, size and sporulation with different media was recorded by using Completely Randomized Design. Results: Considerable variation was observed among the isolates in colony pigmentation, growth patterns and microscopic morphology with isolate C-17 showing the highest mycelial growth (88.5 mm), sporulation (10.0 × 10⁴ conidia/ml) and biomass production. Further, the growth behavior of isolates was evaluated on four different solid media (PDA, CDA, CMA and SA). Czapek Dox Agar supported the highest average mycelial growth across several isolates whereas Sabouraud Agar showed variable support depending on the isolate. Conclusion: Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences among isolates, media and their interactions. These findings indicate substantial phenotypic variability among Colletotrichum isolates which may influence pathogenicity and environmental adaptability and highlight the importance of further molecular characterization for accurate taxonomic placement.