A Rapid and Novel qPCR for Detection and Quantification of Colletotrichum panacicola , a Major Anthracnose Pathogen of Ginseng

Anthracnose, primarily caused by Colletotrichum panacicola, is a major above-ground disease affecting Panax species. However, a rapid and accurate quantitative molecular detection method has been lacking. To address this, we developed a specific qPCR assay for the first time. Primers (q11329F/q11329R) were designed based on pan-genomic analysis of sequence of C. panacicola from NCBI, and a standard curve was established using recombinant plasmids. The assay successfully detected and quantified C. panacicola in artificially infected ginseng leaves and seeds, with monitoring of pathogen DNA accumulation during infection. It effectively identified C. panacicola in both symptomatic and asymptomatic naturally infected seeds. This qPCR method demonstrated superior efficiency, accuracy, and with greater sensitivity compared to conventional PCR. Furthermore, the assay was validated on symptomatic seed samples collected in 2024 from 16 ginseng-producing areas across Jilin and Liaoning provinces of China. This study provides a robust tool for the early diagnosis and quantification of C. panacicola, facilitating real-time disease surveillance and management.