Pathogenic and Genetic Diversity of Sclerotium rolfsii, the Causal Agent of Southern Blight of Common Bean in Uganda.

ABSTRACT: Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is a soil-borne fungus that causes southern blight on many crops in the tropical and subtropical regions. In 2018, southern blight was reported as the most prevalent bean root rot in Uganda. Earlier studies ascertained the morphological and pathogenic diversity of S. rolfsii, but a limited understanding of its genetic diversity exists. Knowledge of S. rolfsii genetic diversity is a critical resource for pathogen surveillance and developing common bean varieties with durable resistance. A total of 188 S. rolfsii strains from infected common bean plants were collected from seven agro-ecological zones of Uganda in 2013, 2020 and 2021, and characterized morphologically and pathogenically. The genetic diversity of the strains was assessed usi

SUBMITTER: Erima S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12843155 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature