Hypovirulent strain of Botrytis cinerea, compositions, methods and uses

Abstract

The present invention relates to a strain of the fungus Botrytis cinerea that exhibits a hypovirulent phenotype due to infection with at least the mycovirus Botrytis cinerea endornavirus 2 (BcEV2). In a preferred embodiment, the strain is co-infected with BcEV2 and the mycovirus Botrytis cinerea ourmia-like virus 2 (BcOLV2), resulting in a hypovirulent phenotype that is dependent on the co-presence of both viruses, and is registered under accession number CECT 21321. The invention also describes compositions comprising this strain and its use as a biological control agent to prevent or treat gray mold disease in a wide variety of crops of agricultural interest. The strain of the invention acts by transmitting the mycovirus combination to pathogenic strains of B. cinerea in the field, attenuating their virulence and thus providing an effective and sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides.

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