Effect of soil temperature, moisture, and nitrogen on competitive saprophytic ability of Macrophomina phaseolina Author links open overlay panel

Abstract

The effect of soil temperature, moisture and nitrogen on saprophytic colonization of bean or wheat stems by Macrophomina phaseolina was studied in two soils. Maximum colonization of the substrate units occurred at 15–20° and decreased with increasing soil temperature. At 15° more wheat than bean stems were colonized whereas at higher temperatures the reverse occurred. Maximum colonization of substrates occurred at 15–25% of moistureholding capacity, and percentage colonization decreased with increasing soil moisture. Addition of nitrogen to soil completely inhibited saprophytic colonization.