Exploring SDHI fungicide resistance in Botrytis cinerea through genetic transformation system and AlphaFold model‐based molecular docking

Abstract BACKGROUND Gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea is one of the most serious diseases affecting strawberry. Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides have been used for more than a decade to control the disease. Monitoring resistance and improving in‐depth understanding of resistance mechanisms are essential for the control of B . cinerea . RESULTS In this study, resistance monitoring of a SDHI fungicide boscalid was conducted on B. cinerea isolated from strawberries in Korea during 2020 and 2021, with resistance rates of 76.92% and 72.25%, respectively. In resistant strains, mutations P225F/H and H272R were found in SdhB , with P225F representing the dominant mutation type. Simultaneous mutations G85A, I93V, M158V, and V168I in SdhC were detected in 54.84% of sensitive strains. Sensitivity profiles of different Sdh genotypes of B . cinerea strains to six SDHIs were determined in vitro and in vivo . In addition, the mutation(s) were genetically validated through in situ SdhB ( SdhC ) expression. Docking assays between SDHIs and AlphaFold model‐based Sdh complexes revealed generally consistent patterns with their in vitro phenotypes. CONCLUSION Resistance of B . cinerea to SDHI fungicide on strawberry was systematically investigated in this study. Deciphering of SDHI resistance through the genetic transformation system and AlphaFold model‐based molecular docking will provide valuable insights into other target site‐based fungicide resistance in fungal pathogens. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.