Roles for SKN7 response regulator in stress resistance, conidiation and virulence in the citrus pathogen Alternaria alternata

► Function of Alternaria alternata SKN7 is not fully associated with HSK1 and HOG1. ► SKN7 localized in the nucleus confers resistance to peroxides but not diamide. ► SKN7 confers resistance to sugar stress and fungicide sensitivity via HSK1. ► Compared to wild-type, mutants lacking SKN7 exhibit lower antioxidant activities. ► Mutants lacking SKN7 produce fewer conidia and necrotic lesions on citrus.