Asian Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) represents a vital economic crop globally, yet its production faces severe constraints due to Anthracnose, a devastating fungal disease incited by Colletotrichum capsici. Prevalent in tropical climates, this pathogen causes extensive pre- and post-harvest damage. The present investigation focused on isolating the pathogen from infected samples, confirming its virulence via Koch’s postulates, and profiling its cultural characteristics on distinct solid media. Pathogenicity tests involved the artificial inoculation of healthy chilli fruits, which reproduced typical symptoms like sunken, necrotic lesions with concentric rings of acervuli thereby validating the isolate's identity. To determine the optimal environment for mycelial proliferation, the fungus was cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA), and Czapek’s Dox Agar. Statistical analysis demonstrated  that nutrient composition significantly influenced fungal development. PDA proved to be the superior substrate, supporting the maximum radial growth of 69.33 mm. This was followed by SDA (59.33 mm), whereas Czapek’s Dox Agar resulted in comparatively restricted growth. These findings are pivotal, as identifying the most effective growth medium is a prerequisite for generating sufficient inoculum. This, in turn, facilitates further research into host-plant resistance screening and in vitro fungicide testing, providing a foundational step toward designing robust, evidence-based management strategies to mitigate yield losses.