Detection and pathogenicity of Colletotrichum truncatum, associated with anthracnose disease of pepper (Capsicum spp.) in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is one of the most important spices and vegetable crops in the diet of people worldwide. It is a source of nourishment in stable foods and a tool for income generation for farmers. However, its production is threatened by fungal pathogens, particularly Colletotrichum species, which causes significant yield and marketability losses. This study was carried out to characterize the causal organism of anthracnose infection in pepper fields in Ibadan, Nigeria. Colletotrichum species was isolated from infected pepper plants from the vegetable Research field of National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria and characterized using microscopic features and molecular analysis targeting the ITS region. Pathogenicity test was carried out in detached fruit assay on three Capsicum species planted on the experimental field. The isolate produced dark necrotic symptoms on all the pepper species. Generated ITS sequence showed highest similarities with C. truncatum and confirmed the species as the causal agent of anthracnose on all the species in the studied region. This research contributes to understanding the fungal pathogens affecting pepper production in Nigeria and informs strategies for disease management.