Host symptom of charcoal rot on mungbean. Credit: Photchana Trakunsukharati, Department of Agriculture, Thailand, CC BY 3.0 AU, via Wikimedia Commons
Background
Charcoal rot, caused by the fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina, is a significant global disease of soybean and other crops like sunflower and corn. This disease has been observed and confirmed sporadically in Minnesota since 1999. It favors hot and dry conditions and capitalizes on plant stress. With a projected increasing frequency of heat events in Minnesota, this disease may become increasingly impactful to the state’s agricultural systems. It is important to proactively address this pathogen and its regional variability due to the economic importance of soybean and other crops to Minnesota.
Research questions
- What is the distribution and frequency of charcoal rot in Minnesota cropping systems?
- What is the impact of biotic and abiotic stressors on charcoal rot?
- What is the susceptibility of Minnesota soybean varieties and germplasm?
Practical implications
This project will lead to a greater understanding of the distribution and threat of charcoal rot in Minnesota. Researchers will provide critical information to growers and the research community including providing tools for resistance screening and information on crop susceptibility to inform potential yield losses.
Charcoal rot photos
Findings
This project began in February 2025 and is in progress for the next several years. Please check back at a later time for updates.
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