ABSTRACT
Selenium (Se), as well as dissolved organic matter derived from rape straw pretreated with Se in soil, can inhibit mycelial growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by damaging the membrane system and interfering with its metabolism. This chapter explains the test of protective effect of Se on S. sclerotiorum infection in oilseed rape leaves and reveals the underlying physiological mechanisms of Se improving the resistance of oilseed rape against S. sclerotiorum. It provides a new direction not only for the control of S. sclerotiorum, but also for promoting the industrial development of the oilseed rape. Proper Se concentration applied to soil improved oilseed rape resistance against S. sclerotiorum, thus contributing to small lesion diameter and lower incidence. In addition, Se led to a combined action of enhanced antioxidant system, upregulated defense gene expression and amino acid metabolism of oilseed rape.
