A Study of the morphology and taxonomy of certain South African species of Colletotrichum Corda

Abstract

The extensive literature concerning the taxonomic and nomenclatorial history of Colletotrichum Corda, its morphology, development and variability, was reviewed. South African collections of Colletotrichum were examined on host material and in pure culture. A key to the eleven species identified was constructed and their culture characteristics and morphology were described and illustrated. Morphological and cultural data were statistically analysed using cluster and ordination techniques. Relatively distinct groups were formed, corresponding to most of the species, and the contribution of various criteria to group delimitation was indicated. The taxonomic value of various cultural and morphological criteria was discussed.