Earthworms affect decomposition of soil-borne plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in a cover crop field experiment

Earthworms provide important ecosystem services in agricultural systems. However, little is known with regards to which extent earthworms feed on soil-borne plant fungal pathogens, thereby potentially reducing pathogen infection of crops. Using a food choice arena in the laboratory, we examined (i) whether the hardened resting structures (i.e., sclerotia) of white mould (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary) are consumed by the earthworm...