Survival ofColletotrichum lindemuthianumin Bean Debris in New York State

Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, the causal agent of bean anthracnose, overwintered 4 mo in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) debris placed 0, 10, and 20 cm deep in soil on 14 November 1988. A bean plant assay was developed for the detection of low inoculum levels in overwintered debris. The fungus could not be isolated from infested debris on agar medium in April 1989 but could be detected using the host plant assay. The fungus was no longer detectable 22 mo after placement at any depth. Additional field trials were conducted at three locations over a 3-yr period