Advances on the Molecular Biology of Coniothyrium minitans, an Important Biocontrol Agent of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Abstract:

Coniothyrium minitans Campbell is a ubiquitous antagonistic fungus of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, which is an important widespread plant pathogen. Many researches indicated that C. minitans had great potential in controlling Sclerotinia diseases caused by Sclerotinia spp. in green houses and fields. In recent years, there have been crucial advances for this fungus at the molecular level. In order to promote further research, the present advancement on the molecular biology of conidiation, interaction with host, transformation, detection and genetic diversity are summarized and existing problems are discussed.