Charcoal Rot - Agronomic impact

Soybean field severely infected with charcoal rot. Photo © Palle Pedersen, Iowa State University

Results from controlled studies showed that infection by Macrophomina phaseolina can reduce plant height, root volume, and root weight by more that 50%.

Damage to the root system is most evident during the pod formation and filling stages, when demand for water and nutrient absorption is high. Seeds of infected plants tend to be fewer and lighter as a result of the smaller root system.

Diseased plants will mature several weeks earlier, which further contributes to yield loss.

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