Soybean white mold: pathogenesis features, biological properties of the pathogen, and control methods

   Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a dangerous, highly specialized necrotrophic phytopathogen that infects approximately 400 plant species, including economically important crops such as sunflower, rape-seed, soybean, and others. This fungus causes white mold (syn. sclerotiniosis), one of the most destructive diseases, especially in regions with cool and humid climates. The pathogen S. sclerotiorum has a simple life cycle, where infection occurs either via mycelium from dormant sclerotia in the soil or by ascospores from apothecia. The pathogen can penetrate through the stem base or aerially through flowers and dead plant tissues. Soybean cultivation in Russia is continuously expanding, and therefore the pathogen poses a particular problem, leading to significant yield losses. This review summarizes current data on the biology of S. sclerotiorum, its mechanisms of pathogenicity and interaction with the host plant, dissemination pathways, and impact assessment. It also covers methods for monitoring and diagnosing soybean white mold, existing control methods (agronomic, biological, and chemical), as well as achievements and challenges in soybean breeding for white mold resistance. In conclusion, promising research directions are discussed, aimed at developing more effective and environmentally safe methods for protecting soybeans from S. sclerotiorum.

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