pachyrhizi

Pachyrhizi refers to the species epithet in the name Phakopsora pachyrhizi, a rust fungus that causes Asian soybean rust. It is an obligate biotrophic basidiomycete in the Pucciniales order, belonging to the family Phakopsoraceae. The species is native to parts of Asia and has spread to other continents, where it is considered a serious agricultural pathogen affecting soybean crops.

The primary host of Phakopsora pachyrhizi is Glycine max (soybean). Infected leaves exhibit lesions that appear as small, tan to brown pustules on the lower leaf surface, with spore production visible as orange to reddish-brown uredinia. Symptoms on the upper surfaces can include yellowing and general leaf decline. Severe infections lead to reduced photosynthetic area, premature defoliation, and potential yield losses.

Ecology and life cycle are characterized by wind-dispersed spores that enable rapid spread over large distances, especially under warm and humid conditions. The fungus is typically described as an autoecious rust, able to complete its life cycle on soybean without requiring an alternate host, though environmental factors strongly influence infection success and disease severity.

Distribution and impact vary by region, but Phakopsora pachyrhizi is regarded as a major threat to soybean production in many areas where it has become established. Management relies on integrated strategies, including the deployment of resistant soybean cultivars, timely fungicide applications, and careful monitoring of disease development. Ongoing research, including genomic and diagnostic advances, supports efforts to understand virulence, dispersal, and effective control measures.