Breeding for resistance to charcoal rot disease: a review of oilseed crops

Abstract

Charcoal rot, caused by Macrophomina phaseolina, is a destructive soil-borne disease that threatens several oilseed crops. Its persistence in the soil through microsclerotia, wide host range, and strong association with drought and heat stress makes it a formidable challenge for sustainable production. Breeding for resistance is widely recognized as the most effective and environmentally sound management strategy. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biology and economic impact of charcoal rot in oilseed crops, with a focus on screening methodologies, genetic resistance, and breeding interventions. Field-based techniques such as root and stem severity scoring and colony-forming unit indices remain central to resistance evaluation, although challenges of standardization and reproducibility persist. Advances in molecular and genomic tools, including QTL mapping, genome-wide association studies (GWASs), marker-assisted selection (MAS), and genomic selection (GS), have begun to strengthen the identification and deployment of resistance loci. In addition, speed breeding, high-throughput phenotyping, and gene-editing platforms such as CRISPR/Cas offer novel opportunities to accelerate cultivar development. Integration of these approaches, along with the exploration of wild relatives and pre-breeding materials, is essential for broadening the genetic base of resistance and achieving durable, climate-resilient oilseed production. By linking pathogen biology, screening methods, and advanced genetic strategies, this review provides a comprehensive framework for future breeding programs aimed at mitigating the impact of charcoal rot in oilseed crops.

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