K.D. Hyde, L. Cai, E.H.C. McKenzie, Y.L. Yang, J.Z. Zhang, H. Prihastuti
Identification of Colletotrichum species has long been difficult due to limited morphological characters. Single gene phylogenetic analyses have also not proved to be very successful in delineating species. This may be partly due to the high level of erroneous names in GenBank. In this paper we review the problems associated with taxonomy of Colletotrichum and difficulties in identifying taxa to species. We advocate epitypification and use of multi-locus phylogeny to delimit species and gain a better understanding of the genus. We review the lifestyles of Colletotrichum species, which may occur as epiphytes, endophytes, saprobes and pathogens. It is not clear in most cases whether taxa isolated from these different life modes are the same species, or different morphologically similar species; in most cases identification has been based on morphology and may not be accurate. We use three selected species, C. dematium, C. destructivum and C. fragariae to highlight the problems associated with species identification and the problems that may occur when wrong names are applied to species. We also review clinical aspects of the genus and the use of Colletotrichum species in biotransformations. In most examples, the need for correct identification, which can be achieved by contrasting with types and comparison of molecular data, is stressed. We propose the need for agreement on protocols to deal with description and naming of Colletotrichum species and make predictions for the next five years. The reviews serve to illustrate the importance of correctly identifying strains before commencement of scholarly research. © 2009, Fungal Diversity. All Rights Reserved.
International Fungal Research & Development Centre, The Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Bailongsi, Kunming, 650224, China; School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Thasud, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand; Novozymes China, No. 14, Xinxi Road, Shangdi, HaiDian, Beijing, 100085, China; Landcare Research, Private Bag, 92170, Auckland, New Zealand; Guizhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550006, China; Department of Biology and Geography, Liupanshui Normal College, Shuicheng, Guizhou, 553006, China; Institute of Biotechnology, College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Kaixuan Rd 258, Hangzhou, 310029, China; Department of Biotechnology, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
