Charcoal Rot Research Articles

Isolation and Identification of Pathogenic Microorganisms Causing Post‐Harvest Disease of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam

ABSTRACTGarlic plays a crucial role in Vietnam's agricultural economy. However, the presence of post‐harvest diseases presents considerable obstacles as it reduces the quality and market value of the crop. The objective of this study was to identify the microbial strains responsible for these diseases through isolation and identification. A comprehensive analysis was conducted to identify six pathogenic species that have a significant impact on the quality of post‐harvest garlic in Phan Rang, Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam. This analysis involved morphological observations, microscopic assessments, pathogenicity testing and molecular sequencing. Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum and Lasiodiplodia theobromae were identified as the main causes of dry rot, while Macrophomina phaseolina was associated with charcoal rot. Moreover, Aspergillus niger has been associated with black mould, while Pantoea sp. has been identified as the causative agent of soft rot. Re‐infection tests following Koch's postulates conducted on garlic bulbs provided confirmation of the isolates' pathogenicity. These findings have significant implications for enhancing our understanding of garlic diseases after harvest, which can contribute to the development of effective control measures in the future.

Allelopathic interactions of Carthamus oxyacantha, Macrophomina phaseolina and maize: Implications for the use of Carthamus oxyacantha as a natural disease management strategy in maize.

Fungicides are used to control phytopathogens but all these fungicides have deleterious effects. Allelopathic interactions can be harnessed as a natural way to control the pathogens but there are no reports that show the allelopathic interactions of donor plant, recipient crop, as well as the target plant pathogen and the material used for inoculum production. So, in the present study, the suitability of Carthamus oxyacantha M. Bieb. was assessed against Macrophomina phaseolina, the cause of charcoal rot in maize. Among the various treatments in pot experiment, a negative control, 3 concentrations of inoculum (1.2×105, 2.4×105, and 3.6×105 colony forming units (CFU) mL-1, 3 concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% w/w) of C. oxyacantha along with an autoclaved M. phaseolina (Mp) and C. oxyacantha alone were included to investigate their allelopathic effects on maize, not investigated earlier. Maximum suppression of the disease was observed by 1.5% (w/w) concentration of C. oxyacantha. Soil amendment with C. oxyacantha significantly suppressed the disease incidence (DI) and disease severity index (DSI) in charcoal rot of maize up to 40 and 55%, respectively over the strongest level of inoculum (Mp3). C. oxyacantha not only reduced area under disease incidence progress curve (AUDIPC) and area under disease severity progress curve (AUDSPC), but also improved the morphological, biochemical and physiological parameters of maize. The maximum increase of 48, 65, and 75% in values of shoot length (SL), shoot dry mass (SDM), and root dry mass (RDM), respectively was observed by application of the highest concentration of C. oxyacantha in the treatment Mp1+Co3, over infested control (Mp1). Photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids were increased to 58, 64, and 46%, respectively over Mp1, by the application of C. oxyacantha. Carbon assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), rate of transpiration (E), and internal carbon dioxide concentration (Ci) were significantly increased to 58, 48, 48, and 20%, respectively over infested control (Mp3), by application of C. oxyacantha concentration 1.5 (w/w). Moreover, defense enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities were boosted up to 27, 28, and 28% over Mp3, respectively. Positive allelopathy of C. oxyacantha towards maize and negative allelopathy towards M. phaseolina makes C. oxyacantha a suitable candidate for charcoal rot disease control in maize.

Effect of Drought Stress During Seed Development on Charcoal Rot and Yield of Soybean.

The primary controls for charcoal rot in soybean, caused by the fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina, are to avoid drought stress and to plant a moderately resistant cultivar. The effects of irrigation and cultivar were determined in 2011 and 2013 at the Lon Mann Cotton Research Station, Marianna, AR. Four soybean cultivars (Hutcheson, Osage, Ozark, and R01581F) were planted in plots with or without added M. phaseolina inoculum and subjected to three furrow irrigation regimes: full-season irrigation (Full), irrigation terminated at R5 (CutR5), and nonirrigated (NonIrr). Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was measured at R3 and R6. At harvest, plants and yields were collected. Roots and stems were split and the extent of visible colonization by M. phaseolina microsclerotia was assessed in the roots with a 1 to 5 scale (RSS) and the percent plant height stem discoloration measured. Precipitation in September and October was 54 and 65% below the 30-year average in 2011 and 2013, respectively. The CutR5 irrigation treatment resulted in one less irrigation than Full each year, but CutR5 NDVIs at R6 and yields were significantly lower than those with Full and not significantly different from those of NonIrr. The CutR5 RSS ratings were greater than either Full or NonIrr. Plant colonization by M. phaseolina was negatively correlated to yield in 2011 but not in 2013. No premature plant death caused by charcoal rot was observed in either year. These results indicated that late-season drought stress may be more important to charcoal rot development than drought stress throughout the season, but other factors are needed to trigger early plant death and subsequent yield losses observed in grower fields.

Characterization and Pathogenicity of Soilborne Pathogens in Gloriosa superba: Effects of Single- and Multiple-Pathogen Coinfection on Disease Responses.

Glory lily (Gloriosa superba), an ornamental climbing plant, contains the bioactive compound colchicine, attracting attention from the pharmaceutical industry. However, soilborne pathogens have emerged as a serious threat to the cultivation of glory lily, leading to substantial economic losses in the southern parts of India. Among these, the three major pathogens are Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium oxysporum, and Agroathelia rolfsii, causing dry root rot (also referred to as charcoal rot), wilt, and stem rot, respectively. Here, we characterized these pathogens using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences related to the internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA, calmodulin (CAL), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1α). Furthermore, in the pathogenicity tests, the inoculation of M. phaseolina alone resulted in lesions measuring 7.54 ± 0.01 mm on tubers and 90% seedling mortality. This severity was comparable to the simultaneous inoculation of all three pathogens, indicating the prominence of dry root rot among soilborne diseases. This study marks the first detailed investigation of soilborne pathogens combined infection in G. superba, contributing to the understanding of fungal disease complexity in medicinal plants.

SVT 55: A High Yielding Rabi Sorghum Variety with Multiple Pest Tolerance

SVT 55 is a high yielding Rabi sorghum culture identified at Agricultural Research Station, Tandur, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Telangana and released by State Varietal Release Committee during 2023 in the name of Tandur Jonna 55 for the state of Telangana. It matures in 115-120 days and is adapted specifically to Rabi season. The culture recorded an average seed yield of 3245 kg/ha, with a mean grain yield advantage of 26 % over the popular check M 35-1and 12.3 % over the local check SVT 68 in the trials conducted during 2016-2022. The culture is moderately resistant to charcoal rot, recorded on par pest reaction score with respect to resistant checks for the insect pests of shoot fly, stem borer, aphids and fall army worm. It has high crude protein content (10.96 %) and good roti quality.

Performance Evaluation and Release of High-Yielding Dual-Purpose Rabi Sorghum Culture Tandur Jonna 1' (SVT 68) for Cultivation in Telangana, India

Aims: To develop a high yielding dual purpose Rabi sorghum culture suitable for the state of Telangana. Study of Design: Randomized Block Design. Place and Duration of Study: The Present study was conducted at AgriculturalResearch Station, Tandur, Vikarabad from 2007 to 2013 to breed the culture SVT 68 and subsequently evaluated in different trials from 2014 to 2021. Methodology: A high yielding, dual purpose Rabi sorghum variety was derived from a cross between PV 15 x CSV 216R through Pedigree method of breeding and subsequently it was evaluated instation level from 2014 – 2016, AICRP trial in 2017-18 in, state MLT in 2018-19, Minikits in 2019-2021 for its grain and fodder yields, resistance to pests and diseases and showed superior performance over the Popular check M 35-1. Results: The high yielding dual purpose Rabi sorghum culture SVT 68 recorded an average grain yield of 2993 kg/ha and fodder yield of 9258 kg/ha with an increase of grain yield of 17.3 per cent and fodder yield of 20.4 per cent, over the popular check M 35-1. The culture is moderately resistant to charcoal rot, shoot fly, tolerant to leaf blight and rust and on par with M 35-1 with respect to stem borer and aphid damage. It has high crude fibre content (2.71) and rich in micro nutrients Iron (41.86 mg/kg), Zinc (26.67 mg/kg) and Calcium (177.60 mg/kg). Conclusion: Owing to its superiority in terms of grain, fodder yields, pest, disease tolerance, nutritional quality, agronomic performance, higher net returns depicted in the form of Benefit cost ratio, the culture SVT 68 was released during 2021 in the name of Tandur Jonna 1 and notified for general cultivation by farmers in Telangana state.

Brassica juncea pre-season cover crops reduce soybean root colonization by Macrophomina phaseolina, the fungus causing charcoal rot

Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. is a soilborne fungus that causes charcoal rot in numerous crop plants, reducing yield and profits. This study assessed the efficacy of pre-season mustard cover crops (Brassica juncea), a chemical fungicide seed treatment, a combination of both, and a non-treated control in a set of varieties that ranged in maturity. In 2016 and 2017, 'AG4135 RR2Y/SR' consistently yielded lower compared to other varieties. Early maturity varieties exhibited reduced yields relative to mid and late maturity pairs in 2016 and 2017. Root colonization was influenced by treatment, with the combined pre-season cover crop and seed treatment exhibiting the lowest colonization rates in 2015, while all treatments had significantly reduced colonization in 2017 compared to untreated controls. Additionally, differences in root colonization were observed among soybean varieties, suggesting genotype-specific responses to disease management strategies. M. phaseolina soil populations showed a marked increase from pre-cover crop to post-soybean harvest underscoring the pathogen's proliferation throughout the growing season. Correlation analyses revealed significant negative relationships between root colonization and yield for untreated controls, suggesting that higher root colonization adversely affected crop performance. These findings suggest that specific treatments may help mitigate M. phaseolina population build-up in roots and soil and indicate that the effectiveness of control measures may be influenced by pathogen variability in response to environmental conditions and management practices. These findings also contribute to our understanding of effective strategies for managing charcoal rot disease and highlights the importance of integrating chemical and biological control methods.

From Glory to Decline: Uncovering Causes of Oak Decline in Iran

ABSTRACTOak decline is a major concern in Iran. A literature search with the terms ‘Iran’ AND ‘oak’ OR ‘Quercus’ from 1963 through 2023 resulted in 635 articles with over 200 dealing specifically with oak decline. In Iran, oak decline is most severe in the Zagros forests, followed by the Arasbaran and Hyrcanian forests. Of Iran's 11 native oak species, Quercus brantii is the most affected. Several factors have been identified as contributing to oak decline in Iran. Some economic and social factors include high rural unemployment, livestock overgrazing and uncontrolled cutting of live tree branches with the wood used for firewood and foliage used as food for farm animals. These pruning wounds can serve as entry points for pathogens and attract insects. Important abiotic factors included extended drought, increasing air temperature and wind speed, and increased levels of airborne dust and heavy metals. Important pathogens identified in the early 2000s included Armillaria mellea and charcoal rot fungus (Biscogniauxia mediterranea). More recently, many other fungal pathogens (e.g., Discula quercina, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, Obolarina persica, Paecilomyces formosus and Phaeoacremonium tuscanicum) and bacterial pathogens (e.g., Bacillus pumilus, Brenneria goodwinii, Gibbsiella quercinecans, Rahnella victoriana and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) were found in association with declining oaks. Among the insects, severe oak defoliation has resulted from various Lepidoptera in the families Erebidae, Geometridae and Tortricidae. Similarly, several bark‐ and wood‐boring beetles in the families Buprestidae and Cerambycidae were reported from declining oaks, with the buprestid Agrilus hastulifer being one of the most common. It is hoped that this review will improve our understanding of the many factors involved in oak decline in Iran and promote the development of management strategies.

In vitro evaluation of fungicides against Macrophomina phaseolina associated with charcoal rot of maize

In vitro evaluation of fungicides against Macrophomina phaseolina associated with charcoal rot of maize

Cover cropping attenuates population growth of Macrophomina phaseolina by limiting weed biomass, despite asymptomatic colonization of cover crops.

Macrophomina phaseolina is a fungus that causes charcoal rot in strawberry and a wide variety of crop species. Little is known about its potential to asymptomatically colonize crop plants or grow saprophytically on their tissues, both of which would create a potential for alternate, asymptomatic hosts to lead to increases in inoculum. To test the impact of cover cropping on M. phaseolina abundance, we conducted randomized-block field experiments in soils infested by M. phaseolina. None of the fifteen cover crop varieties showed symptoms of charcoal rot. All Fabaceae and Brassicaceae varieties were asymptomatically colonized at varying rates, but among Poaceae, M. phaseolina was recovered from only one individual oat plant. Soil samples collected at the time of planting, tillage, and 8 weeks post-tillage showed that cover cropping attenuated the growth of M. phaseolina relative to fallow plots harboring the weedy legume Medicago polymorpha. This weed species was abundantly colonized by this pathogen in both living root samples and plant residue collected 8 weeks after tillage. Cover cropping also influenced the diversity and composition of bulk soil bacterial and fungal communities, but these effects were not associated with M. phaseolina population density. Although M. phaseolina was not detected in living wheat tissues, it was recovered from wheat residue, suggesting that it may be facultatively saprophytic. These results suggest that cover cropping does not pose a risk for increasing disease caused by M. phaseolina and could be beneficial as conducive weed species, such as M. polymorpha, are suppressed.

Enhancing Growth in Vigna radiata through the Inhibition of Charcoal Rot Disease: A Strategic Approach Using Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria.

Macrophomina phaseolina is a vital seed and soil-borne phytopathogen responsible for substantial crop yield losses. Although various methods exist for managing soil-borne pathogens, such as agronomic practices, chemical treatments, and varietal tolerance, biological control utilizing plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) or their secondary metabolites presents promising avenues. In this study, a screening of 150 isolates from the rhizosphere of Vigna radiata L. was conducted to identify strains capable of promoting host growth and controlling charcoal rot disease. Among the tested isolates, only 15 strains demonstrated the ability to produce plant growth-related metabolites, including indole acetic acid, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, and lytic enzymes, and solubilize inorganic phosphate. Subsequently, these potent strains were evaluated for their antifungal activity against Macrophomina phaseolina in vitro. Three strains, namely MRP-7 (58% growth inhibition), MRP-12 (55% growth inhibition), and MRP-8 (44% growth inhibition), exhibited the highest percent growth inhibition (PGI.). Furthermore, a pot experiment demonstrated that the selected strains acted as effective growth promoters and ROS (reactive oxygen species) scavengers, and served as potential biocontrol agents, significantly reducing the incidence of charcoal rot disease and improving various agronomic attributes of the host plant. These findings highlight the potential of these strains to be utilized as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents for sustainable agricultural practices.

Marker-assisted Pyramiding of Charcoal Rot Resistance Loci in Strawberry

Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal agent of charcoal rot, is one of the most destructive soil-borne pathogens that affect the global strawberry industry. Resistant cultivars are critical for ensuring the profitability of strawberry production without the protection historically provided by methyl bromide. Previously, three loci, namely, FaRMp1, FaRMp2, and FaRMp3, associated with quantitative resistance to Macrophomina phaseolina have been identified and validated across diverse populations and environments. Among those, the locus with the largest effect, FaRMp3, was initially detected in crosses with an exotic Fragaria ×ananassa selection. We introgressed the favorable FaRMp3 allele into elite germplasm in the University of Florida strawberry breeding program already segregating for FaRMp1 and FaRMp2 and confirmed its phenotypic effects across various genetic backgrounds. Subsequently, we developed a high-throughput genotyping assay to facilitate the transfer and selection of FaRMp3 in breeding populations via marker-assisted selection. Given that three quantitative trait loci (QTL) contribute to partial resistance to Macrophomina phaseolina, stacking them within a single genotype presents a potential strategy for enhancing resistance. We screened 564 individuals that segregate for favorable alleles at all three QTL to assess their effects singly and in combination across multiple genetic backgrounds and production seasons. Inoculated field trials revealed that the three QTL cumulatively enhanced resistance levels, and that two-way QTL combinations including FaRMp3 provide increased protection against the pathogen. Pyramiding all three loci achieved the strongest resistance and could provide substantial economic value to the strawberry industry.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid isolates causing charcoal rot of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) in Ghana

The study of the variations in Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal agent of charcoal rot, is critical in understanding the ecology of the isolates and the epidemiology of the diseases they cause. This study sought to identify and characterize M. phaseolina isolates using both molecular and morphological approaches and to determine the virulence of the isolates. Macrophomina phaseolina was isolated from cowpea-diseased stem tissues. Eleven M. phaseolina isolates from the major cowpea growing areas (Manga, Nyankpala, Yendi, Damongo, Tumu, Wa, Akomadan and Ejura) were morphologically and molecularly characterized. DNA of the M. phaseolina isolates were amplified using species-specific PCR primers MpKF1 (5'-CCGCCAGAGGACTATCAAAC-3') and MpKR1 (5'-CGTCCGAAGCGAGGTGTATT-3') and sequencing of the M. phaseolina specific amplicons was obtained. This was followed by searching against the NCBI nucleotide sequence database. Isolates were tested for their pathogenicity on a susceptible cowpea cultivar (IT97K-499-35). Virulence of the M. phaseolina isolates was expressed as the percentage of sown seeds that expressed seed rot and damping-off symptoms 14 days after planting. All isolates were confirmed as M. phaseolina based on the amplicon size obtained, and the sequenced amplicons showed an average of 99% homology to the available M. phaseolina sequences. The radial growth of isolates and the percentage of seed rot and damping off they caused on the IT97K-499-35 cultivar varied significantly. The percentage seed rot and damping off were positively correlated (r = 0.74 and 0.75) with the radial growth and colour intensity of the isolates, respectively. Macrophomina phaseolina infection and disease expression may be predicted by the colour and colour intensity of isolates as well as cowpea genotypes. Isolate Mp_3Mc (dense black colour) was the most virulent while isolate Mp_6Ec (grey colour) was the least virulent, resulting in 76.7% and 26.7% seed rot and damping off, respectively. The three clades resolved through the phylogenetic tree matched the distinct colour types of M. phaseolina which correlated with virulence. Isolates of M. phaseolina are diverse and differ in their pathogenicity. Efforts must be geared towards developing cowpea varieties that have resistance to charcoal rot disease.

Pyrolysed maize feedstock utilization in combination with Trichoderma viride against Macrophomina phaseolina

Maize cultivation is under the growing threat of charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina). Chemical control of diseases imparts serious health hazards to humans and the ecosystem. Biochar as an alternative disease management approach has been under consideration of the researchers for some time now. The biochar utilized in this study was derived from maize stalks and cobs. Crystallographic structure, inorganic minerals content and size of maize biochar were analyzed by powder X-ray diffractometer, while scanning electron microscopy revealed rough, irregular, tubular structure of the biochar surface. EDX spectra revealed that the maize biochar composition was dominated by ‘C’ followed by ‘O’. The current study was designed to determine the synergistic effect of maize biochar (MB), and biocontrol agent (BCA) Trichoderma viride as soil amendments on the suppression of M. phaseolina. In vitro bioassays were conducted to check the efficiency of antagonistic effect of Trichoderma spp., in combination with maize biochar. On the basis of maximum mycelial growth inhibition T. viride was selected for a glasshouse experiment. Maize plants were grown in pots containing a mixture of soil with MB at application at the rate of 3 and 6% (v/v) separately, associated with or without T. viride. Treatments amended with 3% MB inoculated with M. phaseolina significantly reduced the percentage disease severity index by 40%. While in the presence of T. viride, 3% MB showed maximum disease suppression and a minimum percentage severity index i.e. 60 and 20%, respectively. Highest nitrogen contents were 18.4 g kg−1 observed in treatment 6% MB, while highest phosphorus and potassium contents were 3.11 and 15.2 g kg−1, respectively in the treatment with 3% MB. Conclusively, the effect of variable concentrations of maize biochar and T. viride as soil amendment was evident on the development of charcoal rot, growth and physiology of maize plants. According to the available literature, our report is the first on the implementation of biochar in synergism with T. viride to suppress the charcoal rot in maize.

Unveiling the biocontrol potential of Pseudomonas syringae through seed biopriming against charcoal rot disease in maize

In Punjab, Pakistan, maize production faces a significant threat from charcoal rot disease, caused by the soil-borne fungus Macrophomina phaseolina. To mitigate this issue and ensure food safety, researchers explored the potential of Pseudomonas syringae, a harmless gram-negative bacterium against charcoal rot disease in maize. Maize seeds treated with P. syringae (PS) were planted in soil containing the charcoal rot fungus in pot experiments. The outcome was then compared with the impact of NPK fertilizers and mancozeb fungicide. The positive control, with M. phaseolina alone, exhibited high disease severity resulting in a greater reduction of 30–70 % in the plant's biophysical and biochemical traits. Mancozeb, NPK, or PS, managed 66, 41, and 55 % of diseases and improved the biophysical and biochemical traits of the plants by up to 200 %. Applying P. syringae in combination with the recommended dose of NPK was found as the most promising treatment which significantly improved plant resistance by managing 90 % of disease through improving growth and biochemical traits (up to 300 %). This research suggests effective control of M. phaseolina by combining P. syringae with NPK, enhancing plant defense mechanisms and potentially improving pathogen-induced resistance in the maize plants.

Genome assembly, comparative genomics, and identification of genes/pathways underlying plant growth-promoting traits of an actinobacterial strain, Amycolatopsis sp. (BCA-696)

The draft genome sequence of an agriculturally important actinobacterial species Amycolatopsis sp. BCA-696 was developed and characterized in this study. Amycolatopsis BCA-696 is known for its biocontrol properties against charcoal rot and also for plant growth-promotion (PGP) in several crop species. The next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based draft genome of Amycolatopsis sp. BCA-696 comprised of ~ 9.05 Mb linear chromosome with 68.75% GC content. In total, 8716 protein-coding sequences and 61 RNA-coding sequences were predicted in the genome. This newly developed genome sequence has been also characterized for biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) and biosynthetic pathways. Furthermore, we have also reported that the Amycolatopsis sp. BCA-696 produces the glycopeptide antibiotic vancomycin that inhibits the growth of pathogenic gram-positive bacteria. A comparative analysis of the BCA-696 genome with publicly available closely related genomes of 14 strains of Amycolatopsis has also been conducted. The comparative analysis has identified a total of 4733 core and 466 unique orthologous genes present in the BCA-696 genome The unique genes present in BCA-696 was enriched with antibiotic biosynthesis and resistance functions. Genome assembly of the BCA-696 has also provided genes involved in key pathways related to PGP and biocontrol traits such as siderophores, chitinase, and cellulase production.

Biological control of soybean charcoal rot by native Trichoderma koningiopsis in Tucumán, Argentina

Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. (Mp) is the causal agent of charcoal rot in soybean, an economically serious and potentially destructive disease. Chemical control sometimes has limited effects on disease severity and may pose a threat to the environment, so the use of Trichoderma as a biological product could be a feasible alternative for charcoal rot management. The objective of this research was to isolate and characterize native Trichoderma spp. from northwestern Argentina and study their antagonistic effect against Mp in soybean. Isolations were performed from soil samples followed by cultural and microbiological characterization of the Trichoderma spp. isolates collected. Then, the antagonist effect against Mp was studied in vitro, under greenhouse conditions, and finally under field conditions with pathogen artificial inoculations during two soybean crop seasons (2020 and 2021). The results demonstrated that isolate Tr009 had a biocontrol effect against Mp in soybean. This control was evidenced in vitro and under controlled and field conditions with high emergency of plants compared to the Mp inoculated control. Under field conditions, treatments that included Trichoderma presented lower disease severity, colony-forming unit index and disease severity index values than the pathogen inoculated control. Moreover, Tr009 improved weight and length of soybean plants under greenhouse conditions. Isolate Tr009 was identified as Trichoderma koningiopsis by molecular methods. These results indicate that this biological tool can be used against Mp and thus favor a sustainable management of soybean charcoal rot.

Impact of Streptomyces on sesame plants under Macrophomina phaseolina infestation

BackgroundSesame is an ancient oil crop that has been cultivated for centuries. It is an important source worldwide for food, industry and edible oil. Sesame plants are attacked by many pathogens during different stages of growth. Macrophomina phaseolina is considerable one of the most dangerous fungi that attacks sesame plants during their different growth stages. The impact of Streptomyces violaceoruber and Streptomyces hirsutus in comparison with Topsin-M fungicide on damping-off and charcoal rot caused by M. phaseolina and also on the growth of sesame plants was studied.ResultsIn general, S. hirsutus was effective more than S. violaceoruber. S. hirsutus reduced the linear growth of M. phaseolina in vitro by 70.83%, while reduction with S. violaceoruber reached 53.89%. S. hirsutus isolate reduced pre-, post-emergence damping-off, and charcoal rot incidence by 58.3, 56.6, and 50%, under greenhouse conditions, in 2021 growing season, while the percentage reduction of disease was 43, 56.4, and 71.2% for 2021 and 2022 growing seasons, respectively, under field conditions at Fayoum Governorate, Egypt. Streptomyces treatments increased concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) in plant leaves, seed yield, and seed oil concentration more than Topsin-M treatment and untreated plants.ConclusionsS. violaceoruber and S. hirsutus have proven that they can be used to combat soil-borne diseases, as well as improve growth parameters and increase yields.

The Effect of Using Hydrogel and Some Biological and Chemical Treatments on Controlling Charcoal Rot Disease in Soybeans Under Field Experiment Conditions

The Effect of Using Hydrogel and Some Biological and Chemical Treatments on Controlling Charcoal Rot Disease in Soybeans Under Field Experiment Conditions

Quantifying leaf symptoms of sorghum charcoal rot in images of field‐grown plants using deep neural networks

Quantifying leaf symptoms of sorghum charcoal rot in images of field‐grown plants using deep neural networks