Detection and molecular characterization of Macrophomina phaseolina isolates in sesame using species-specific markers

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is a vital oilseed crop cultivated globally, yet its production is significantly threatened by charcoal rot disease caused by Macrophomina phaseolina. This soilborne pathogen leads to severe yield losses, affecting sesame-growing regions globally. In this study, we conducted a molecular characterization of M. phaseolina isolates collected from infected sesame plants in Diyarbakır and Şanlıurfa, Türkiye. During the field survey, the characteristic symptoms such as wilting, stunted growth, and blackened stems were observed and samples were collected to isolate the targeted pathogen. Seven isolates were successfully isolated and analyzed for their morphological and microscopic features, confirming the presence of M. phaseolina. The DNA extraction and PCR amplification using species-specific primers (MpKRI/MpKFI) successfully detected the pathogen in all isolates, producing a distinct 350 bp amplicon. The results validate the reliability of molecular markers in identifying M. phaseolina with high specificity. This study highlights the importance of molecular tools for precise pathogen detection, aiding in disease management strategies. The findings contribute to a better understanding of M. phaseolina’s genetic diversity and offer valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at developing resistant sesame cultivars. Future research should focus on integrating molecular diagnostics with breeding efforts to enhance sesame's resilience against charcoal rot disease.