VdGAL4 Modulates Microsclerotium Formation, Conidial Morphology, and Germination to Promote Virulence in Verticillium Dahliae

This study showed that α-galactosidase VdGAL4 of V. dahliae could activate plant immune response and plays an important role in conidial morphology and yield, formation of microsclerotia, and mycelial penetration. VdGAL4 deletion mutants significantly reduced the pathogenicity of V. dahliae . These findings deepened the understanding of pathogenic virulence factors and how the mechanism of pathogenic fungi infected the host, which may help to seek new strategies for effective control of plant diseases caused by pathogenic fungi.