Sheath Blight of Maize: An Overview and Prospects for Future Research Directions

Sheath blight (ShB) of maize, as a soil-borne disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA, is one of the main obstacles for maintaining the sustainable production of maize. R. solani has a wide host range and low-resistance sources, there is a lack of resistant resources against ShB, and the damage caused by ShB cannot be effectively controlled. To effectively protect crops against ShB, it is necessary to combine information about its pathogenicity and about the disease prevention and control of the pathogenic fungus and to identify areas that require more in-depth research. While progress has been made in the identification of disease-related genes in corn and pathogens, their mechanisms remain unclear. Research related to disease control involves the use of agronomic methods, chemical control, biological control, and genetic improvement. Breeding and identification of high-resistant maize varieties are key and difficult points in the control of maize sheath blight. This article reviews the research progress of the symptoms, the pathogen’s biological characteristics, the infection process, the pathogenic mechanism, and comprehensive control of maize sheath blight disease and provides future research directions of maize sheath blight in China. It aims to provide reliable technical routes and research ideas for future crop-disease-resistance research, especially to sheath blight of maize.