Host range and physiologic specialisation of Macrophomina phaseolina isolated from field peas in South Australia

Abstract

Macrophomina phaseolina is reported as a pathogen of field peas, causing leaf, stem, and petiole lesions characteristic of ascochyta infection. Alternative hosts were found to include Vigna mungo, Medicago littoralis, Medicago scutellata, and Lens culinaris. Twenty-one isolates of M. phaseolina were differentiated into 15 pathotypes. Adequate sources of resistance were identified against all pathotypes. Breeding for specific resistance to M. phaseolina in field peas is discussed.