Influence of media, temperature and pH on growth of Colletotrichum capsici (Syd.) causing anthracnose disease of chilli

Abstract

Colletotrichum capsici, the incitant of anthracnose disease of chilli, is a serious disease of chill crop in causing major economic loss to chilli production worldwide, especially in tropical and sub-tropical countries. An attempt was made to identify best supporting medium as well as different temperatures and pH which may support luxuriant growth of the fungus. Five different media tested, among them, Potato Dextrose Agar medium (PDA) was found very suitable for mycelia growth of Colletotrichum capsici resulting full plate growth (9 cm) within 9 days followed by Yeast Extract Potato Dextrose Agar medium, Chilli Extract Agar medium, Wheat grain Extract Agar medium and Malt Extract Agar medium. The growth of Colletotrichum capsici was found to be more vigrous at the temperature 300C where full plate growth of the mycelium (9cm) was found within 9 days followed by 250C, 350C and 200C. Among the different pH maximum radial growth (9cm) was recorded at pH7 within 9 days followed by 8, 6, 5 and 4.