Phenotypic and Molecular Variability of <em>Rhizoctonia solani</em> Causing Web Blight in Urdbean (<em>Vigna mungo</em>) in Northern India

Urdbean (Vigna mungo) is a vital legume crop in the Indian subcontinent, but the sustainable production of urdbean is threatened by the soil-borne pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. The core challenge in managing Rhizoctonia solani lies in its immense phenotypic and molecular variability enabling it to infect a broad range of host plants. Extensive studies have revealed significant cultural and genetic diversity among the Rhizoctonia solani isolates, with distinct pathogenic behaviour under field conditions, complicating both diagnosis and control. Recent advances in molecular biology, particularly the whole genome sequencing and transcriptomics, have expanded our understanding beyond the traditional classification of Anastomosis groups (AGs) and enabled the researchers to devise advanced disease management strategies leveraging modern molecular tools. This review compiles and synthesizes critical information on the pathogenic variability of Rhizoctonia solani at cultural, molecular and transcriptional levels. The insights presented here aim to support students, researchers and plant breeders in developing more effective and sustainable disease management strategies.