Combining Desirable Traits for a Good Biocontrol Strategy against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Abstract

The fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Helotiales: Sclerotiniaceae) causes white mold, a disease that leads to substantial losses on a wide variety of hosts throughout the world. This economically important fungus affects yield and seed quality, and its control mostly relies on the use of environmentally damaging fungicides. This review aimed to present the latest discoveries on microorganisms and the biocontrol mechanisms used against white mold. A special focus is put on the identification of biocontrol desirable traits required for efficient disease control. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved and the conditions required for their action is also essential to ensure a successful implementation of biocontrol under commercial field conditions. In this review, a brief introduction on the pathogen, its disease cycle, and its main pathogenicity factors is presented, followed by a thorough description of the microorganisms that have so far demonstrated biocontrol potential against white mold and the mechanisms they use to achieve control. Antibiosis, induced systemic resistance, mycoparasitism, and hypovirulence are discussed. Finally, based on our actual knowledge, the best control strategies against S. sclerotiorum that are likely to succeed commercially are discussed, including combining biocontrol desirable traits of particular interest.

Mitigating against Sclerotinia Diseases in Legume Crops: A Comprehensive Review

“…This has resulted in a range of fungicides-such as demethylation inhibitors, anilinopyrimidines, benzimidazoles, triazole, strobilurin, pyridine-carboxamide, dicarboxamides, iprodione, and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs)-on the market, in an attempt to reduces its associated effects on crop yield and quality [160][161][162][163][164][165]. The fungicides' active ingredients are picoxystrobin, fluazinam, tetraconazole, pyraclostrobin, boscalid, penthiopyrad, trifloxystrobin, fluxapyroxad, prothioconazole, thiophanate methyl, and prothioconazole [76,[166][167][168][169][170][171]. The most frequently used fungicides in controlling S. sclerotiorum are dicarboximides and benzimidazoles, with countries reporting some strains showing resistance [172].…”

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary: Insights into the Pathogenomic Features of a Global Pathogen

“…S. sclerotiorum , being a belligerent necrotroph, can effectively cause cell death in plant tissues. The fungus produces numerous lytic enzymes, including endo- and exo-pectinases, cellulases, hemicellulases, and proteases, which aid in colonization and cause the breakdown of host cell walls [ 13 ]. Alongside cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDE), oxalic acid (OA) has a central role in pathogenesis [ 14 ].…”