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Morpho-Molecular Identification and Pathogenic Characterization of Fusarium and Colletotrichum Species Associated with Intercropped Soybean Pod Decay

Summary

This research identified harmful fungi that cause soybean pod and seed decay in China’s Sichuan Province. Scientists found eight different Fusarium species and six different Colletotrichum species affecting soybean pods, with some species identified for the first time as soybean pathogens. Laboratory tests showed that certain fungal species, particularly Fusarium proliferatum and Colletotrichum fructicola, were the most damaging to soybean plants. These findings help farmers understand and better manage fungal diseases in soybean crops grown in intercropping systems.

Background

Soybean is a globally important legume crop providing plant-based protein and oil for human nutrition and animal feed. Fungal pathogens, particularly Fusarium and Colletotrichum species, cause significant seed-borne diseases during reproductive stages, leading to severe yield reductions and poor seed quality. The fungal diversity affecting soybean pods in Sichuan Province, a major soybean cultivation region in Southwestern China, remains inadequately understood.

Objective

This study aimed to isolate and characterize the mycobiota associated with soybean pods in a maize-soybean relay strip intercropping system, with a focus on Fusarium and Colletotrichum species through morpho-molecular identification and multi-locus phylogenetic analysis. Additionally, the in vitro pathogenicity of dominant isolates was evaluated to understand their role in soybean pod decay.

Results

A total of 132 isolates from 10 distinct fungal genera were identified, with 43 Fusarium isolates representing 8 species and 37 Colletotrichum isolates representing 6 species. F. proliferatum (20.93%) and C. fructicola (21.62%) were the most dominant species. Pathogenicity assays revealed F. proliferatum, F. acutatum, and F. verticillioides as the most severe Fusarium pathogens, while C. fructicola was the most pathogenic Colletotrichum species.

Conclusion

This study identified eight Fusarium species and six Colletotrichum species associated with soybean pod decay in Southwestern China, with F. acutatum, C. cliviicola, C. boninense, and C. fructicola identified for the first time as soybean pod pathogens in this region. The findings provide critical insights into the pathogen population during later growth stages of soybean and establish a foundation for developing targeted disease-management strategies.
  • Published in:Pathogens,
  • Study Type:Original Research - Microbial Survey and Pathogenicity Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41156631, DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14101020
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