Genetic diversity of Macrophomina phaseolina and antifungal potential of lemongrass essential oil

Authors

  • Atarissis Morais Dias Department of Agronomic and Forestry Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, RN, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7790-0240
  • Jorge Alves da Silva Neto Department of Agronomic and Forestry Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, RN, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9138-6006
  • Talison Eugênio Costa Department of Agronomic and Forestry Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, RN, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7166-5320
  • Vitor Rafael Oliveira Maia Department of Agronomic and Forestry Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, RN, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8221-7873
  • Naama Jéssica de Assis Melo Department of Agronomic and Forestry Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, RN, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1437-3436
  • Andreia Mitsa Paiva Negreiros Department of Agronomic and Forestry Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, RN, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9544-2527
  • Rui Sales Júnior Department of Agronomic and Forestry Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, RN, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9097-0649
  • Ioná Santos Araújo Holanda Department of Agronomic and Forestry Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró, RN, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2530-986X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252026v3914417rc

Keywords:

Cymbopogon flexuosus. RAPD-PCR. Root rot and vine decline. Soil-borne fungi.

Abstract

Macrophomina phaseolina is a soil-borne fungal pathogen responsible for root rot and vine decline in melons. To develop effective control strategies, it is essential to understand the pathogen's genetic diversity. This study aimed to characterize the genetic diversity of M. phaseolina isolates and evaluate the effectiveness of Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass) essential oil as a control agent. DNA from 30 isolates was extracted and analyzed using 13 RAPD markers, which generated 135 polymorphic bands (71.85% polymorphism). Genetic similarity among isolates ranged from 0.23 to 0.92. To test the antifungal potential of C. flexuosus oil, two specific isolates (CMM-4739 and CMM-4762) were treated with six oil concentrations (0.02, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25%). A negative control (PDA medium) and a positive control (Maxim fungicide) were included. Colony diameter was measured daily in two perpendicular directions; the control treatment reached the edge of the Petri dish within three days. Results showed that a concentration of 0.15% resulted in the complete in vitro growth inhibition of both isolates. No significant difference in oil efficacy was observed between the two isolates. This study concludes that RAPD markers are suitable for assessing the genetic diversity of M. phaseolina and that C. flexuosus essential oil is highly effective at inhibiting fungal growth in vitro. These findings suggest that C. flexuosus oil holds significant potential for future in vivo management of the M. phaseolina–melon pathosystem.

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Published

05-05-2026

Issue

Vol. 39 (2026)

Section

Scientific Article

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