Utilizing certain disinfectants as alternatives to fungicides to manage Macrophomina root rot in sugar beet

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the fungicidal effects of certain disinfectants, namely hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), n-alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (n-ADBAC), and potassium permanganate (KMnO?), on M. phaseolina, the causal pathogen of root rot in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), in vitro and under greenhouse conditions. Mycelial growth of the pathogen was inhibited with different concentrations (0.00, 100, 200, 400, and 600 ppm) of the tested compounds. KMnO? at 600 ppm was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of the pathogen (77.41%) when compared to other treatments. In greenhouse tests, treating pathogen-infested soil with these disinfectants reduced the disease severity of Macrophomina root rot in sugar beet. The highest reduction in disease severity was achieved with 600 ppm KMnO₄. In addition, all treatments improved root agronomic characteristics, such as total soluble solids (TSS) and sugar percentage. These findings suggest that these disinfectants could serve as promising alternatives to traditional fungicides for managing Macrophomina root rot in sugar beet.