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

Summary

This study identified dangerous fungi causing soybean pod decay in Southwestern China’s intercropping farms. Researchers found 8 types of Fusarium and 6 types of Colletotrichum fungi infecting soybean pods, with some species being discovered as soybean pathogens for the first time. Laboratory tests showed that certain species like F. proliferatum and C. fructicola cause severe damage to both soybean pods and seeds, potentially reducing crop yields and seed quality significantly.

Background

Soybean is a globally important legume crop providing essential plant-based protein and oil. Fungal diseases caused by pathogens like Fusarium and Colletotrichum during reproductive stages lead to severe economic losses through yield reduction 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

To isolate, identify, and characterize Fusarium and Colletotrichum species associated with soybean pod decay in a maize-soybean relay strip intercropping system, and to evaluate their pathogenic potential on soybean seeds and pods using morphological and molecular approaches.

Results

43 Fusarium isolates representing 8 species and 37 Colletotrichum isolates representing 6 species were identified. F. proliferatum and C. fructicola were the most dominant species. Pathogenicity assays revealed F. proliferatum, F. acutatum, and F. verticillioides as most severe for Fusarium, while C. fructicola was most pathogenic for Colletotrichum. Four species (F. acutatum, C. cliviicola, C. boninense, and C. fructicola) were identified for the first time as soybean pod pathogens in this region.

Conclusion

This study identified eight Fusarium species and six Colletotrichum species associated with soybean pod decay in Southwestern China. F. acutatum, F. verticillioides, F. proliferatum, C. fructicola, and C. truncatum were identified as the most virulent pathogens. The findings provide a critical foundation for understanding pathogen populations and developing targeted disease management strategies in maize-soybean intercropping systems.
  • Published in:Pathogens,
  • Study Type:Observational Study, Mycological Survey,
  • Source: 10.3390/pathogens14101020, PMID: 41156631
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