Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a fungal pathogen that affects a wide range of plants, including crops like soybeans, sunflowers, and tomatoes. It thrives in moist conditions and can cause significant damage through a disease known as white mold, which leads to wilting and decay of infected tissues. The fungus produces small, hard structures called sclerotia, which can survive in the soil for years. When conditions are favorable, these sclerotia germinate and release spores that infect nearby plants. Effective management strategies include crop rotation and the use of resistant plant varieties to minimize the impact of this pathogen.