Despite advancements in healthcare facilities for diagnosis and treatment, cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide. As prevention is always better than cure, efficient strategies are needed in order to deal with the menace of cancer. The use of phytochemicals as adjuvant chemotherapeutic agents in heterogeneous human carcinomas like breast, colon, lung, ovary, and prostate cancers has shown an upward trend during the last decade or so. Flavonoids are well-known products of plant derivatives that are reportedly documented to be therapeutically active phytochemicals against many diseases encompassing malignancies, inflammatory disorders (cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorder), and oxidative stress. The current review focuses on two key flavonols, fisetin and quercetin, known for their potential pharmacological relevance. Also, efforts have been made to bring together most of the concrete studies pertaining to the bioactive potential of fisetin and quercetin, especially in the modulation of a range of cancer signaling pathways. Further emphasis has also been made to highlight the molecular action of quercetin and fisetin so that one could explore cancer initiation pathways and progression, which could be helpful in designing effective treatment strategies.

Macrophomina phaseolina is a soil-borne pathogen causing significant yield losses in soybean crops, particularly in Madhya Pradesh, India, where soybean is a major agricultural commodity. This study aims to explore the genetic diversity of M. phaseolina isolates collected from infected soybean plants across various regions of Madhya Pradesh. A total of 12 isolates were collected from symptomatic plants displaying signs of charcoal rot. Molecular analysis was conducted using molecular markers such as Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to assess genetic variability among the isolates. The results elucidated substantial genetic diversity among the isolates, signifying that M. phaseolina populations within this geographical area exhibit a high degree of heterogeneity. Phylogenetic analysis categorized the isolates into discrete clusters, implying the existence of multiple strains with differing pathogenicity levels. This genetic variability may enhance the pathogen’s capability to acclimatize to diverse environmental conditions and host resistance mechanisms, thereby complicating disease management efforts. The genetic diversity of M. phaseolina is integral to formulating effective control strategies, which encompasses the cultivation of resistant soybean varieties and the execution of targeted disease management interventions. This genetic variation may contribute to the pathogen’s ability to adapt to different environmental conditions and host resistance mechanisms, making disease management more challenging. The genetic diversity of M. phaseolina is crucial for developing effective control strategies, including the breeding of resistant soybean cultivars and the implementation of targeted disease management practices. This study provides valuable insights into the population structure of M. phaseolina in Madhya Pradesh, highlighting the need for region-specific approaches to manage charcoal rot in soybean crops. Keywords: Macrophomina phaseolina, genetic diversity, soybean, Madhya Pradesh, charcoal rot, molecular markers