Understanding Sclerotinia in Crops: Risks and Management Strategies

Sclerotinia, commonly known as white mould, is a fungal disease that poses a significant threat to various crops, including oilseed rape, beans, and certain cover crops. Understanding its life cycle and implementing effective management practices are crucial for maintaining crop health and yield.

What is Sclerotinia?

Sclerotinia is a fungal pathogen that affects a wide range of crops. It produces hardened structures called sclerotia, which can survive in the soil for extended periods. These sclerotia germinate under favorable conditions, releasing spores that infect plants, leading to the development of white mould on stems and leaves.

Impact on Crops

The infection can lead to significant yield losses, especially in susceptible crops like oilseed rape and beans. The disease manifests as white, cottony growth on plant tissues, causing wilting and eventual plant death. Infected plants may also produce fewer seeds, impacting overall productivity.

Conditions Favoring Sclerotinia Development

Sclerotinia thrives in cool, moist environments. Extended periods of wet weather during flowering stages increase the risk of infection. Dense canopies and poor air circulation further exacerbate the conditions conducive to the disease’s spread.

Management Strategies

To mitigate the risks associated with Sclerotinia, consider the following practices:

• Crop Rotation: Avoid planting susceptible crops in consecutive seasons to reduce the buildup of sclerotia in the soil.
• Field Hygiene: Remove and destroy infected plant residues to minimize sources of inoculum.
• Canopy Management: Ensure adequate spacing and pruning to promote air circulation, reducing humidity levels within the crop canopy.
• Fungicide Application: Apply appropriate fungicides during critical growth stages, particularly during flowering, to protect against infection. Consider using Eutrema’s Chitosan bio-fungicide as part of a wider control strategy.

Conclusion

Sclerotinia poses a significant threat to various crops, but with vigilant monitoring and the implementation of integrated management strategies, its impact can be minimized. Understanding the disease’s life cycle and adopting proactive measures are key to safeguarding crop health and ensuring optimal yields.

Article by Dr Russell Sharp

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