Soybean sudden death syndrome: fungal pathogenesis and plant response

Abstract

Soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) is a fungal disease caused by members of clade 2 of the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC). These fungi are soilborne pathogens that infect soybean plants through the roots and produce toxins that translocate to aerial parts of the plant, inducing foliar chlorosis and necrosis followed by premature defoliation. Here, we first give the current state of knowledge of early pathogen detection and infection establishment for the SDS pathosystem. Subsequently, we discuss the nature and activity of secreted toxins, followed by an overview of changes in plant metabolism and factors that influence fungus–soybean interaction. Finally, we summarize the advances in plant disease resistance, symptom evaluation, and treatment.