Characteristics and Pathogenicity of Discula theae-sinensis Isolated from Tea Plant ( Camellia sinensis ) and Interaction with Colletotrichum spp.

Anthracnose is one of the primary diseases in tea plants that affect tea yield and quality. The geographical distribution, occurrence regularity, and agronomic measures of tea plants with anthracnose have been researched for decades. However, the pathogenic cause of anthracnose in tea plants is diverse in different regions of the world. Identifying the specific pathogenic fungi causing tea anthracnose is an essential control measure to mitigate this disease. In this study, 66 and 45 isolates were obtained from three different types of diseased tea leaves. Based on multilocus phylogenetic and morphological analysis, eight known species of , , , , , , , , and were identified. This study is the first to report and in tea plants in China. was the most common species in this study and caused disease lesions around wounded areas of tea leaves. The dual trials in vitro indicated and were slightly inhibited. Co-inoculating and was superior to single inoculation at low concentrations. The main cause of anthracnose might be the concerted action of a variety of fungi.