Evidence of early flower infection in olives ( Olea europaea ) by Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides causing anthracnose disease

Abstract

New evidence is provided for early asymptomatic infection of flowers of olive varieties Barnea and Manzanillo by Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides. Asymptomatic infection of olive flowers by these species of Colletotrichum and the likely quiescent behaviour of the pathogens resulting in symptomatic disease expression of mature fruits has not been recorded anywhere previously.