A review on anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. in fruits and advances in control strategies

Abstract

Fruits are a vital source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants necessary for human health and well-being. However, fruit production is often hampered by diseases that cause substantial yield losses and compromise fruit quality. Among these, anthracnose caused by various species of the Colletotrichum genus stands out as a particularly destructive disease, affecting a wide range of fruit crops and resulting in significant preharvest and postharvest losses worldwide. This review explores the impact of anthracnose across diverse fruit categories, including temperate fruits, berries, citrus, and tropical fruits. Furthermore, it provides a comprehensive overview of the life cycle and pathogenic mechanisms of Colletotrichum spp., emphasizing their remarkable adaptability to different host fruits. Advances in management strategies are also explored, emphasizing the need for sustainable approaches. While chemical fungicides remain widely used, their overuse has led to resistance development and environmental concerns. Promising alternatives include biological control agents and natural compounds like essential oils and chitosan-based coatings, and physical treatments, such as heat and UV-C irradiation, are also discussed. Future trends are also highlighted. This review provides a new insight of anthracnose across fruit categories, integrating current knowledge on pathogen biology, host-pathogen interactions, and innovative control measures. Future research should prioritize the development of integrated management strategies tailored to specific fruit categories, ensuring sustainable production, enhanced fruit quality, and reduced postharvest losses.