Optimization of Growth Conditions of Citrus Anthracnose Agent Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Isolates in Tunisia

Background: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is important plant pathogens on a wide range of plant hosts such as citrus causing pre- or post-harvest infections as anthracnose, post-bloom fruit drop, tearstain and stem-end rot on fruit, or wither-tip of twigs. Method: The optimization of growth conditions of this pathogen was performed (solid media, temperature, pH and water potential under laboratory experiments). Results: Our results revealed that the maximum radial growth of C. gloeosporioides was recorded on SDA medium. All isolates were able to grow on PDA at temperatures of 15 and 30°C (over 0.7cm/day). Optimal growth radial was recorded at pH 5, 6, 7 and 8. Similar responses were obtained with both salt types, but, in general, C. gloeosporioides was more tolerant to KCl than NaCl. Conclusion: Studies of cultural, morphological traits of the pathogen are prominent to understand the response of the pathogen in different environmental and nutritional conditions.