• This disease occurs when the plants are under moisture stress or under nematode attack or through soil compaction or may be through nutrient deficiencies.
• It is a most common basal stem and root disease of the soybean plant.
• Lower leaves become chlorotic and wilting and drying is apparent.
• The diseased tissues generally develop grayish  discolouration.
• The sclerotia look like black powdery mass hence the disease is known as charcoal rot.
• Blacking and cracking of roots is the most common symptom.
• The fungus survives in soil and crop debris in dry conditions.
• Dry conditions, relatively low soil moisture and nutrient and temperature ranging from 25o C to 35o C are favourable for the disease.

Management

• Deep ploughing in summer.
• Ensure balanced fertilization of the crop.
• Rotate soybean with cereals.
• Maintain well drained field
• Destroy last years infected stubble.
• Seed treatment with T. viride @4g/kg or P. fluorescens @ 10g/ kg of seed or Carbendazim or Thiram 2g/kg of seed.
• Spot drenching with Carbendazim 1g/lit or P. fluorescens / T. viride 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM