Abstract
Macrophomina phaseolina is the devastating fungus of many crops. For this study,
infected maize samples were collected from four districts (Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal and
Pakpatan). Twenty-four isolates of M. phaseolina were isolated from infected maize
samples and their growth was evaluated at 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40°C as well as at 5.0,
5.5, 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0 pH. The growth of fungal isolates was significantly affected by
different levels of pH and temperature. Higher mean dry mycelial weight was observed
at 35ºC followed by 40ºC. Higher mean dry mycelial weight at pH 6.5 and 7.0, clearly
indicated the preference of isolates to particular range of pH. Mean dry mycelial weight
was increased with increase in pH and temperature.
