Sclerotinia stem rot in tomato: A review on biology, pathogenicity, disease management and future research priorities
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2021
Abstract
Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) De Bary, is one of the most devastating diseases of tomato. The control of the pathogen is challenging because of its high genetic variability, broad host range and lack of information on natural resistance in tomato germplasm. Through the availability of the genome sequence of S. sclerotiorum, progress has been made in the identification of genes associated with the early stages of pathogenesis. However, less than 60 genes have been functionally validated. Very little information is available on the function of genes associated with the later stage of pathogenesis and signalling pathways. Researches related to SSR management have addressed agricultural practices and the application of fungicides. Agricultural practices like field sanitisation, soil sterilisation, biofumigation and organic amendments have shown improvement in disease control, while smart crop monitoring using unmanned aerial systems and optical sensors can further aid in early detection. Application of biological fungicides has demonstrated potential in SSR control in tomato, while the application of ultraviolet radiation can further aid in sustainable disease control. Transgenic approaches via the expression of some genes targeting degradation of the important molecule of pathogenesis or overexpression of the tomato defence-related genes have shown promises to enhance resistance. However, the generation of disease-resistant varieties in tomato is still in infancy. This review focuses on the current advancement of S. sclerotiorum-tomato pathosystem research and identifies some gaps in knowledge while providing recommendations for future research towards sustainable control of SSR in tomato.
Keywords
Fungal pathogen, Plant disease, Sclerotia, Tomato, Marker, Biological control
Funders
Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FP005-2020 (FRGS/1/2020/STG03/UM/02/1))
Publication Title
Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection
Volume
128
Issue
6
Publisher
Springer Heidelberg
Publisher Location
TIERGARTENSTRASSE 17, D-69121 HEIDELBERG, GERMANY