Impact of biotic and a-biotic parameters on structure and function of microbial communities living on sclerotia of the soil-borne pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani

► First cultivation independent analysis of microorganisms associated with fungal sclerotia. ► While soil types and incubation parameters influence the structure of sclerotia-associated microbial communities, no impact of different anastomosis groups of Rhizoctonia solani were found. ► Sclerotia harbour a high proportion of bacterial antagonists with lytic properties. ► Knowledge about sclerotia-associated microorganisms can be translated into new biocontrol approaches towards the pathogen.