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Integrated management of charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) in soybean: Current strategies and the emerging role of β-glucosidase
Journal
Applied Soil Ecology
ISSN
0929-1393
Date Issued
2026-01
Author(s)
Elham Khalili
Balamuralikrishnan Balasubramanian
Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan
Abstract
Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid is a destructive, globally distributed soil-borne fungus responsible for charcoal rot and significant yield losses across diverse crops. Effective management remains challenging due to its wide host range, long survival of sclerotia, and adaptability to varied environments.
This review synthesizes current knowledge on strategies for controlling M. phaseolina.
Traditional agronomic practices such as crop rotation, tillage, and soil solarization are discussed alongside genetic resistance, although host resistance is often incomplete and environmentally influenced. Chemical control using fungicides has been tested, but effectiveness is inconsistent, and no fungicides are registered specifically against M. phaseolina due to its resilient sclerotia.
Biological control agents, including antagonistic fungi (e.g., Trichoderma spp.) and bacteria (Bacillus, Pseudomonas), as well as botanicals and plant-derived compounds, represent promising, environmental friendly alternatives.
Recent advances highlight the potential of enzyme-based and molecular approaches, particularly β-glucosidase from T. harzianum, genome editing, and nanotechnology, though these remain largely experimental.
Overall, integrated management combining cultural, biological, and innovative molecular tools appears to be the most sustainable path forward.
This review provides a consolidated resource for researchers and agronomists seeking to develop environmental friendly and cost-effective strategies against charcoal rot.
This review synthesizes current knowledge on strategies for controlling M. phaseolina.
Traditional agronomic practices such as crop rotation, tillage, and soil solarization are discussed alongside genetic resistance, although host resistance is often incomplete and environmentally influenced. Chemical control using fungicides has been tested, but effectiveness is inconsistent, and no fungicides are registered specifically against M. phaseolina due to its resilient sclerotia.
Biological control agents, including antagonistic fungi (e.g., Trichoderma spp.) and bacteria (Bacillus, Pseudomonas), as well as botanicals and plant-derived compounds, represent promising, environmental friendly alternatives.
Recent advances highlight the potential of enzyme-based and molecular approaches, particularly β-glucosidase from T. harzianum, genome editing, and nanotechnology, though these remain largely experimental.
Overall, integrated management combining cultural, biological, and innovative molecular tools appears to be the most sustainable path forward.
This review provides a consolidated resource for researchers and agronomists seeking to develop environmental friendly and cost-effective strategies against charcoal rot.