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Identifying Key Pathogens and Effective Control Agents for Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus Root Rot

Summary

Astragalus (a valuable traditional Chinese herb) often develops root rot disease caused by harmful fungi. Researchers identified the specific fungi causing this disease and tested various chemical fungicides and beneficial bacteria to control it. Carbendazim fungicide and a biocontrol bacterium called KRS006 proved most effective, suggesting a combination approach could protect this important medicinal plant from disease.

Background

Root rot is a serious soil-borne disease affecting Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. The disease significantly reduces yield and quality, with Fusarium species identified as major pathogens in Chinese cultivation regions. Limited research exists on effective control strategies for this disease.

Objective

To isolate and identify pathogenic fungi causing root rot in Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus and evaluate the efficacy of chemical fungicides and biocontrol agents against these pathogens.

Results

Seven pathogenic strains were identified: four as Fusarium solani (CDF1-CDF4) and three as Fusarium oxysporum (CDF5-CDF7). Carbendazim showed the strongest fungicidal activity with EC50 of 0.44 ± 0.24 mg/mL. Among biocontrol agents, KRS006 (identified as Serratia premortalis) demonstrated the best inhibition rate of 42.57-55.51% against all pathogenic strains.

Conclusion

Carbendazim and the biocontrol strain KRS006 are identified as promising core agents for chemical and biological control of Astragalus root rot, respectively. A dual biocontrol-chemical control strategy is recommended, though field trials are needed to verify synergistic effects and monitor pathogen resistance development.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11070544, PMID: 40985440
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