Genetic and phenotypic diversity and random association of DNA markers of isolates of the fungal plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum from soil on a fine geographic scale

► We study diversity of the soil-borne fungal plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. ► We sample sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum directly from soil in a 1 m2 area. ► Soil harbors high levels of genetic and phenotypic diversity and population subdivision. ► Genetic recombination occurs in interbreeding subpopulations of the pathogen.