Characterization of<i>Colletotrichum kahawae</i>Isolates Causing Coffee Berry Disease in Angola

Abstract

Coffee Berry Disease, caused by Colletotrichum kahawae, is a major limitation for Arabica coffee cultivation in Africa and for which genetic control is only partially effective. As part of the effort to re-launch coffee cultivation in Angola, our aim was to study the diversity of this pathogen and so contribute to more effective breeding for disease resistance. A collection of 30 C. kahawae isolates showed limited diversity in genetic and colony characters. However, some isolates are distinct, suggesting that breeding for disease resistance in Angola should be dependent on an adequate knowledge of the diversity of local and neighbouring C. kahawae isolates. Analysis of C. kahawae nrDNA nucleotide sequences showed distinct lineages clustering within the broad diversity of C. gloeosporioides, prompting further studies aimed at understanding the origin and pathogenic specialization of C. kahawae.