Colletotrichum: lifestyles, biology, morpho-species, species complexes and accepted species

Colletotrichum is an important plant pathogenic genus that has undergone tremendous taxonomic changes. Species of Colletotrichum also occur as endophytes, saprobes and rarely entomopathogens. The current understanding of Colletotrichum taxonomy and application of various techniques in defining species within the genus is discussed in this paper. Here we provide a review of lifestyles, infection mechanisms, life cycle, host-specificity, classification history and techniques defining Colletotrichum species and the relation to speciation. Misidentifications and mistakes during species introduction are discussed and recommendations are provided for valid species publication. We provide an account of 248 currently accepted species with molecular data, which falls into 14 species-complexes and 13 singleton species. An updated account of Colletotrichum species is provided. Species are listed alphabetically in each species complex and annotated with their habitat, host, geographic distribution, phylogenetic position and typification details. Tables of host specific (152 species) and geographically endemic Colletotrichum species (19 species) are provided. A table of 450 morpho-species is provided for the first time gathering all data to one place, allowing mycologists to check before publishing a new species. Phylogenetic trees are provided for the whole genus and each species complex. Genes and combinations of genes that can be used for the identification of the species complexes are suggested. Future directions for the advancement of this genus are discussed.