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Inoculum and inoculation techniques: key steps in studying pathogenicity and resistance to Sclerotinia stem rot in oilseed rape

Summary

This review examines different methods scientists use to test how oilseed rape plants resist a destructive fungal disease called Sclerotinia stem rot. The researchers compare various ways to infect plants with the fungus, from simple lab techniques using diseased grains to complex field trials that mimic natural infection. The findings help plant breeders identify and develop oilseed rape varieties that can better resist this economically important disease, reducing the need for chemical fungicides.

Background

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a soilborne fungal pathogen causing substantial yield and economic losses in oilseed rape cultivation worldwide. No immune oilseed rape germplasm has been identified, making breeding for resistance challenging. Developing reliable assessment techniques to evaluate resistance is critical for genetic control and cultivar development.

Objective

This review explores various Sclerotinia sclerotiorum inoculum types and evaluates the most common inoculation techniques for effective identification of susceptible and resistant oilseed rape genotypes. The study aims to provide comprehensive guidance on selecting appropriate inoculation methodologies for both controlled and field conditions.

Results

Various inoculation techniques demonstrate different levels of reliability and effectiveness. Cotyledon and petiole inoculation methods provide rapid assessment under controlled conditions, while intact stem inoculation at flowering stage offers more realistic field conditions. Ascospore inoculation represents the most natural infection pathway but is time-consuming to produce, whereas cereal grain-based inoculum is practical for large-scale field trials.

Conclusion

Selection of inoculum type and inoculation technique should depend on research objectives and experimental scale. Combination of complementary methods using aggressive locally-prevalent isolates provides most reliable assessment of resistance across plant developmental stages. Standardization of protocols and environmental controls are essential for consistent and reproducible resistance screening.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Plant Science,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40755818
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