The D-galacturonic acid catabolic pathway genes differentially regulate virulence and salinity response in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

•D-galacturonic acid catabolic enzymes in S. sclerotiorum have versatile functions.•These enzymes enhance virulence via degrading pectin components in host cell wall.•As secreted proteins, these enzymes reduce S. sclerotiorum tolerance to salt stress.•SsGAR2 has an additional function of promoting S. sclerotiorum cell wall integrity.