Influence of Media and Temperature on the Growh of Colletotrichum Spp Isolated from Avocados

Colletotricum spp are of a significant concern in the Avocado industry in Uganda due to their ability to cause Anthracnose which results substantial pre- and post-harvest crop losses. In this study, the influence of media and temperature on the growth of Colletotricum spp isolated from avocado was investigated. The aim of the study was to determine the best media and optimum temperature for the growth of Colletotricum spp. The study was done using three different solid media; Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Malt Extract Agar (MEA) and Rose Bengal Agar (RBA) and six different temperatures. All treatments were designed in a CRD with three replications and data on mycelial radial growth was collected daily for 7 days. Experimental data was analysed using ANOVA in Genstat Version 13 and mean values were separated by LSD at α = 0.05% level of significance. Results revealed that the growth of Colletotricum spp was significantly (P<0.001) influenced by both media and temperature. The highest radial mycelial growth was observed on PDA (64.27mm) followed by MEA (58.30mm) and RBA (34.74mm) after 7 days. Temperature plays an important role in infection and disease development. Best growth of Colletotrichum spp was recorded at 28°C (65.44mm) after 7 days followed by RT°C (58.41mm), 25°C (53.46mm), 30°C (52.72mm), 20°C (45.19mm) and 15°C(39.39mm). The study provides valuable information about the growth patterns of Colletotrichum spp and can serve as a foundation for further investigation into the biology and etiology of Colletotrichum spp attacking avocados in Uganda.