Biology and mycovirus-assisted biological control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infecting vegetable and oilseed crops

Abstract

Plant disease caused by pathogenic fungal infection causes maximum crop damage. Among different fungal diseases, rot caused by Sclerotinia spp.; is a primary concern for vegetables and oilseed industry. Disease management using Chemical fungicides is a potential hazard and leads to the development of many fungicide-resistant strains. Hypovirulence associated mycoviruses is a possible environment-friendly solution, and current studies are aiming to exploit their potential as biocontrol agents. The use of the mycovirus mediated hypovirulent approach has emerged as a new technique to identify successful biocontrol agents. Most mycoviruses are known to have RNA genomes, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) or single-stranded RNA (ssRNA). A total of six dsRNA mycoviruses and a one ssDNA mycovirus have been reported from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum till date which includes the most recent entry as published by Hamid and his group in 2018. In contrast to dsRNA mycovirus, ssDNA mycovirus reported from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum has significant potential to be used as a biocontrol agent in the fields. Despite several reports on mycoviruses of Sclerotinia, not much could be done to explore its commercial importance. The present review describes the recent developments in the area of mycoviruses of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and associated biocontrol potential.