Effect of Temperature and pH on In Vitro Growth Rate and Sclerotial Density of Colletotrichum coccodes Isolates from Different VCGs

The radial growth rate and sclerotial density of Colletotrichum coccodes isolates representing four major vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) were determined at three temperatures (21, 25, and 30 C) and three pH levels (pH 5, 6, and 7). This is the first report indicating that C. coccodes isolates characterized to the same VCG share common physiological traits. The optimal temperature for growth of isolates from all four VCGs was 25 C, except for VCG1 isolates, for which growth at 21 and 25 C was equivalent. The growth rate of all isolates, of all VCG groups was decreased at 30 C, whereas sclerotia development was enhanced. The optimal pH level for growth of all isolates was pH 6 and pH 7. Interactions between VCGs and temperature or pH were observed in relation to radial growth rate and sclerotia density. At 25 C, isolates from VCG1 and 2 demonstrated the most rapid growth rate. At 21 and 30 C, VCG1 isolates demonstrated the fastest growth compared with all other VCGs. In response to pH, VCG1 and 2 demonstrated the fastest growth rates at all pH levels. VCG3 and 4 demonstrated the highest sclerotial density at 25 C and at pH 6; and VCG2 and 4 demonstrated the highest sclerotial density at 30 C.