Recent strategies for controlling the white mould fungal pathogen (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) using gene silencing, botanical fungicides and nanomaterials

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a fungal pathogen that causes white mould diseases in several plants of economic importance. In the form of sclerotia, the pathogen is soilborne and can survive for a long period of time. White mould is considered yield burdening to soybean and poses a threat to over 600 host plant species; hence, there is an increasing effort to manage it by using various strategies. One of the common methods of controlling the pathogen is the use of chemical fungicides; however, concerns remain regarding environmental and human safety. Additionally, the pathogen has demonstrated potential to develop resistance to chemical fungicides and some of these chemical fungicides are being removed from the market due to threat to the environment, and the use of environmentally friendly biofungicides and gene silencing are examined. Another recent strategy that has been adopted for controlling the pathogen is the use of nanomaterials. Hence, the use of metallic nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, carbon-based materials, and their composites for combating the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum fungal pathogen are comprehensively reviewed. Finally, future perspectives on the control of the fungal pathogen are suggested.