Charcoal rot

Charcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina) is a soilborne fungus, which can infect the roots and lower stem of over 500 species of plant.

Fabaceae
It causes seed and seedling rots, wilt, root and stem rots, leaf spot, rotting of developing pods and seed, early maturation, chlorosis and incomplete pod filling.

Grasses
The fungus causes a stalk rot during hot, dry conditions.

Treatment
None.

Prevention
Practice a three- or four-year crop rotation. Earlier planting will result in plants growing a larger, shading canopy thus reducing soil temperatures and conditions conducive to the fungus. Avoid overcrowding. Provide sufficient levels of phosphorus and potassium. Maintain moisture, apply a mulch if necessary.