Analyzing isolate variability of Macrophomina phaseolina from a regional perspective

Sexton, Z.S., Hughes, T.J., and Wise, K.A. 20XX. Analyzing isolate variability of Macrophomina phaseolina from a regional perspective. Crop Protection. XX:XXXX. Charcoal rot of soybean (Glycine max L.), caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid, has been reported more frequently in the north-central United States in recent years. Growth of isolates collected from the northern and southern U.S. was compared in vitro under various incubation temperatures, and isolate pathogenicity was assessed on cultivars adapted to each region. Results indicate that northern isolates had increased growth at 15 °C compared to isolates from southern states, while southern isolates grew 23% more at 40°C compared to northern isolates. Isolates from both regions were pathogenic on charcoal rot resistant and susceptible cultivars adapted for each region. This is the first research to suggest the importance of screening germplasm under regional environmental conditions and with local or regionally adapted isolates when evaluating cultivar resistance to charcoal rot.