First record of <i>Colletotrichum fragariae</i> causing leaf spot on <i>Hopea odorata</i> in Bangladesh

Hopea odorata is a multipurpose tree species in Bangladesh that has been planted extensively throughout the country. Leaf spot of H. caused by Colletotrichum viniferum reported previously (Rashid et al., 2020). During survey November 2019, new leaf was observed several plantations Sylhet, Bangladesh. In comparison to report Rashid 2020, few distinguishing features were noticed disease terms size, thickness and colour margin infection point. case disease, symptoms consisted irregular medium large-sized spots (measuring up 10–12 mm diameter) with thin yellowish large blackish halo (Fig. 1A), sometimes, black necrotic spots. Infection found start from tip mature leaves before affecting entire part mid-ribs 1B). Isolates pathogen consistently recovered regions as described Chowdhury 2020. Six-day-old colonies on potato dextrose agar showed greyish-white cottony radial growth pattern concentric zone orange conidial masses 2). Conidia unicellular cylindrical rounded tapered ends. Setae present conidia conidiophores acervuli. Conidial length width ranged 16–21 μm (mean, 19.5 ±1.2 μm, n = 50) 4.5-6 5.4 ±0.5 respectively 3). Based morphological features, resembled fragariae Smith & Black (1990). For molecular identification, conserved regions, namely internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8S ribosomal DNA ITS2 sequenced genome an isolate using universal primers SR6R (forward) LR1 (reverse) (Meyer 2019). A BLAST search construction phylogenetic (Azad 2016; Kumar 2016) revealed sequence (GenBank Accession No. MT876536) identical C. EU605880) 4). pathogenicity test, 10 detached healthy inoculated suspension (106 conidia/ml) incubated at 25°C 12-hr photoperiod. Sterile distilled water used for control. Seven days after inoculation, developed whereas control remain symptomless 5). The same re-isolated areas re-identified, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. considered be important it reduces photosynthetic area which eventually hampers tree. Appropriate management strategies are essential prevent further spread other locations This first causing authors thankful Research Centre, Shahjalal University Science Technology, Bangladesh, allocating fund conduct study (grant no. FES/2018/2/05).