Macrophomina phaseolina is a widespread fungal plant pathogen that is able to infect over 500 different plant species, many of which are important for human use such as soybean, corn, and cotton. The fungus produces melanized microsclerotia, which are able to live in the soil for up to 15 years: these structures are UV, temperature, and drought resistant, making it difficult to find long term management strategies for infected fields. I work in Dr. Steve Harris' lab to understand M. phaseolina's melanin production and over-wintering strategies, as well as fungicide resistance.