From pathogenesis to response: occurrence mechanisms, host resistance mechanisms, and management strategies of apple ring rot.

Apple ring rot, caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea (B. dothidea) and Botryosphaeria kuwatsukai (B. kuwatsukai), is an economically important fungal disease of apple that primarily damages apple branches and fruits. This article comprehensively reviews the research progress on apple ring rot, covering its disease symptoms (on branches, fruits and leaves), pathogenesis (etiology and occurrence regularity), host resistance mechanisms (basal resistance and induced resistance), and integrated control strategies (agricultural, physical, chemical and biological control). Meanwhile, it analyzes the key problems existing in current research and prospects future research directions. This review aims to provide a systematic theoretical basis and technical implications for the effective prevention and control of apple ring rot, and ultimately promote the sustainable and healthy development of the apple industry.