Dry charcoal rot, caused by the fungus (Macrophomina phaseolina), is a serious fungal pest attacking crop roots, leading to root deterioration, dryness, and disrupted water and nutrient flow. The disease thrives under acute water stress, high temperatures, and prolonged drought, while fungal sclerotia ensure dormancy in contaminated soil across multiple seasons. Combating this challenge requires integrated management plans relying primarily on regular irrigation to avoid plant thirst, balanced fertilization, proper soil management, and sanitizing agricultural residues to reduce pathogen buildup.
What is dry charcoal rot disease and what is its scientific cause?
A serious fungal pest attacking agricultural crop roots, caused by the fungus (Macrophomina phaseolina).
How does the fungus affect the lower parts of the plant?
It grows and reproduces in the soil to infect roots, leading to complete deterioration, dryness, and disrupted water and nutrient flow to leaves.
What environmental factors increase the spread of this disease?
Water shortage, acute water stress, high temperatures, and long drought waves that weaken plant immunity.
What is the role of sclerotia in sustaining the infection?
They ensure the infection remains dormant in contaminated soil for consecutive seasons, posing a real challenge for farmers.
What are the essential preventive measures to counter this disease?
Regular and studied irrigation to avoid thirst, enhancing plant immunity via balanced fertilization, soil management, and sanitizing residues.
How does adhering to a regular irrigation schedule protect crops?
It perceptibly reduces the likelihood of charcoal rot infection and ensures sustainable agricultural production and crop safety.
What are the approved scientific references for studying charcoal rot?
Research issued by international plant protection organizations and extension bulletins of plant production and agricultural research directorates.
