Research progress on occurrence and control of litchi anthracnose

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is one of the important tropical and subtropical fruits in China. However, anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. severely impacts the yield and quality of litchi, posing a major threat during both production and postharvest storage. Litchi anthracnose infects leaves, flower clusters, shoots and fruits, exhibiting diverse and complex symptoms. To date, total 22 species belonging to five Colletotrichum species complex have been reported worldwide to infect litchi, with the C. gloeosporioides species complex being the dominant group. High temperature and humidity are conducive to the occurrence of litchi anthracnose, and the outbreak period of litchi anthracnose is from April to June every year in China. This paper reviewed comprehensively the symptoms, pathogens, occurrence patterns, pathogenic mechanisms, and control techniques of litchi anthracnose. The reported infection process and virulent factors of Colletotrichum spp. were categorized, the control technologies for litchi anthracnose were summarized and analyzed. Finally, the future research on pathogenic mechanisms and green prevention and control strategies for litchi anthracnose were prospected.