Pathogenic mechanisms of maize sheath blight: Integrative advances and perspectives

Abstract

Maize sheath blight, caused by the soil-borne necrotrophic fungus Rhizoctonia solani Kühn, constitutes a pervasive threat to global maize production. Particularly severe epidemics have been documented across China’s three major cultivation regions: the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, Northeast China, and Southwest China. Annual yield losses routinely range from 10% to 20%, and can exceed 35% under conditions of high inoculum density. The escalating prevalence of this disease is driven by the convergence of intensified agronomic practices—specifically higher planting densities and prolonged monocropping—and the altered environmental pressures of global climate change. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the biological complexity and genetic differentiation of the pathogen, the spatiotemporal dynamics of host infection and histopathology, and the mechanistic contributions of core virulence arsenals. We explicitly distinguish between mechanisms validated in maize, those conserved across hosts, and those requiring further verification in maize systems. Most importantly, we provide an in-depth analysis of how these mechanistic insights can be translated into actionable strategies for improving maize resistance and developing sustainable green management technologies. By identifying critical gaps in our molecular understanding, we delineate priority research trajectories aimed at deciphering the intricate pathogenic network and fostering the development of sustainable, green management strategies.