Abstract:Medicago sativa is one of the important legumes in the world. Root rot disease is one of the limiting factors for its production and persistence. Based on the literature published during the past 25 years on pathogens and their pathogenicity in the world, lots of factors affecting disease development of M. sativa were reviewed, including disease development such as plant growing period, soil fertilizer and crop rotation in the field management. Finally, some suggestions are presented for future research.