2009 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To develop a comprehensive systematic account of the plant pathogenic and endophytic fungi in the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides complex based on a multigene phylogeny. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) The University of Maryland (UMD) is engaged in research including plant pathogenic and endophytic fungi in the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides complex. UMD and ARS will work collaboratively to sequence isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides for several genes including LSU, ITS, EF1alpha, and possibly also beta tubulin.Isolates will be obtained from as many sources as possible including plant pathogenic isolates and endophytes isolated from woody and leaf plant tissues.Sequences will be analyzed to determine if there are cryptic species within this complex. Once cryptic species have been delimited, each isolate will be examined to determine the micromorpholoy and cultural characteristics that may or may not correlate with the species as determined by the molecular phylogeny. 3.Progress Report A project on endophytic and pathogenic isolates of Colletotrichum primarily from cacao was initiated. Emphasis has been on the C. gloeosporioides complex and initial results suggest that a number of cryptic species exist within this complex. The type species of Colletotrichum, C. gloeosporioides was characterized and compared to strains from cacao. Some species are endophytic and have potential as biocontrol agents while others are pathogenic or include both endophytes and pathogens. Results of this collaborative research will result in a publication characterization C. gloeosporioides and three new species of Colletotrichum, including one new cacao pathogen. E-mail communication and face-to-face meetings were used to monitor progress on this project. These occurred at least weekly if not more frequently.