Sclerotinia

How to Identify Sclerotinia

Sclerotinia infections often result in the development of white fluffy mycelium on infected plant tissues. This cotton-like growth — white mold — can be observed on stems, leaves, or pods.

Infected plants may exhibit wilting, stunting, or even complete plant death.

Sclerotinia causes the stems or stalks of plants to become soft, discolored, and eventually rot. This leads to lodging, where the plants collapse and are unable to support themselves.

In crops like canola, sunflowers, and soybeans, Sclerotinia infects the heads or pods, causing them to rot and resulting in reduced seed quality, lower yields, and even complete loss of the crop in severe cases.

Geographic Impact of Sclerotinia

Sclerotinia has a global geographic impact and can affect crops in various regions around the world. The specific impact of Sclerotinia can vary depending on factors such as climate, crop types, and farming practices. However, it is generally known to be a widespread and economically significant disease.

In Canada, Sclerotinia is a major concern for farmers, particularly in regions where crops like canola, sunflowers, soybeans, and other susceptible crops are grown. The disease can cause significant yield losses and reduce the quality of harvested crops.

It also affects crops in the United States, Europe, Australia, and various other regions where susceptible crops are cultivated.

The impact of Sclerotinia is typically more pronounced in regions with cool and moist climates, as these conditions favor the development and spread of the disease. However, it is important to note that it can still occur in regions with different climatic conditions, as the fungus can adapt to varying environments.

Timing of Sclerotinia Emergence

In Canada, the timing of Sclerotinia infections can vary depending on the specific region and crop being grown. Generally, infections occur during periods of cool and moist weather.

This typically corresponds to the flowering stage of susceptible crops, as the fungus thrives in the presence of flower petals and decaying plant material. For canola, the flowering period typically occurs from late June to early July in Western Canada, and from late July to early August in Eastern Canada.

How Sclerotinia Impacts Crops

Sclerotinia can cause substantial yield losses in crops such as canola, sunflowers, and soybeans. Infected plants may experience:

Reduced seed set
Smaller seed size
Reduced quality
Overall lower yields

The combination of yield reduction and quality issues can result in significant economic losses for Canadian farmers.

How to Manage Sclerotinia in Crops

It's important for farmers to regularly scout their fields and closely examine their crops for symptoms. Early detection is crucial for implementing appropriate management strategies to minimize the impact of Sclerotinia. To mitigate the impact of Sclerotinia, Canadian farmers can employ various management strategies.

Crop Rotation

Implementing a crop rotation plan can help break the disease cycle and reduce the buildup of Sclerotinia in the soil. Avoid planting susceptible crops in consecutive years in the same field.

However, because Sclerotinia produces long-lived survival structures called sclerotia, which can persist in the soil for several years, the disease can affect subsequent susceptible crops even after rotation.

Resistant Varieties

Utilize crop varieties that have been bred for resistance to Sclerotinia. These varieties can help reduce the risk and severity of infection.

Sanitation

Practice good field sanitation by removing and destroying crop debris, as Sclerotinia can survive on infected plant material. This helps reduce the inoculum levels in the field.

Fungicide Applications

Consider using fungicides as a preventive measure during the critical period of flowering when the risk of Sclerotinia infection is high. See crop-specific details in the next section below.

Monitoring and Scouting

Regularly monitor fields for early signs of Sclerotinia infection. Early detection allows for timely intervention.

Keep track of weather conditions, as cool and moist weather favors Sclerotinia development. Adjust management practices accordingly during periods of increased disease risk.

It's important for farmers to tailor their management strategies based on their specific crop, region, and local conditions. Consulting with local agricultural experts and staying informed about the latest research and recommendations can help farmers effectively manage Sclerotinia.

How Sclerotinia Impacts Canola

Sclerotinia infection in canola can lead to various symptoms, including wilting, stem rot, and the formation of fluffy white mold on the stems and pods. The mold can eventually turn brown or black as the disease progresses. Infected plants may also produce fewer seeds.

The impact of Sclerotinia on canola crops can be significant, as it can reduce yield and quality. In severe cases, the disease can cause complete crop failure.

How to Manage Sclerotinia in Canola

There are several fungicide products available in Canada that can be used to manage Sclerotinia in canola. It's important to note that specific product availability and recommendations may vary depending on location and local regulations.

Here are some commonly used fungicide products for Sclerotinia management in canola in Canada:

FBN Prothio 480 SC (prothioconazole): This is a systemic fungicide that provides effective control against Sclerotinia in canola. It is often applied at the early flowering stage of the crop.
Azoxystrobin 250 VP (azoxystrobin): Azoxystrobin is a broad-spectrum, preventative fungicide with systemic properties that provides control against Sclerotinia in canola. It is applied as foliar spray at the early bloom stage.
Shaft Fungicide (boscalid): Shaft Fungicide is a broad-spectrum fungicide that offers control against Sclerotinia in canola. It is typically applied during the early to mid-flowering stage.
Cotegra Fungicide (boscalid and pyraclostrobin): Cotegra is a combination fungicide that provides both preventive and curative control against Sclerotinia in canola. It is commonly applied at the early flowering stage.

It is important to read and follow the product labels for proper application rates, timing, and safety precautions.

How Sclerotinia Impacts Sunflowers

Sclerotinia can infect the stems, leaves, and heads of sunflower plants. In sunflowers, Sclerotinia infection can lead to various symptoms, including wilting, stem rot, and the formation of fluffy white mold on the stems and heads. The fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which causes Sclerotinia, produces hard, black resting structures called sclerotia.

How to Manage Sclerotinia in Sunflowers

To suppress Sclerotinia head rot, apply FBN Prothio 480 SC (prothioconazole) when the crop is in the 10-50% disk flower bloom stage.

It's important to note that specific product availability and recommendations may vary depending on your location and local regulations. It is always recommended to consult with local agricultural extension services, crop advisors, or licensed pesticide applicators for the most up-to-date and region-specific information.

How Sclerotinia Impacts Soybeans and Other Beans

Sclerotinia can have a significant impact on beans, particularly soybeans. It can infect the stems, leaves, and pods.

How to Manage Sclerotinia in Soybeans and Other Beans

Some products containing fluazinam, boscalid, or prothioconazole and fluopyram (Propulse™ Fungicide) are effective for Sclerotinia white mold control in beans.

How Sclerotinia Impacts Peas

Sclerotinia can also have a significant impact on peas. Infection in peas typically occurs during flowering and pod development stages.

How to Manage Sclerotinia in Peas

Here are a few commonly used fungicides for Sclerotinia management in peas:

Shaft Fungicide (boscalid): This fungicide is effective against Sclerotinia and can be applied preventively during flowering and pod development stages. It helps protect the plants from infection and reduce disease severity.
Prothio 480 SC VP (prothioconazole): This fungicide has shown efficacy against Sclerotinia in various crops, including peas. It can be used preventively to protect the plants from infection.

It's important to note that product availability may vary depending on your location and local regulations.

How Sclerotinia Impacts Celery

Sclerotinia can cause various symptoms in celery, including wilting, yellowing, and browning of the foliage. The stems may also show signs of rotting and decay. Infected celery plants may develop fluffy white growth in the affected areas. The impact of Sclerotinia on celery can be severe, leading to reduced yield, poor-quality stalks, and even plant death in severe cases.

How to Manage Sclerotinia in Celery

Fungicides containing boscalid, like Pristine® WG Fungicide, can offer suppression against Sclerotinia in celery.

Timing: Make up to two applications per season. Begin applications prior to disease development. A second application may be made on a 7- to 14-day schedule. Use a higher rate and/or shorter application intervals when disease pressure is high.

Rate: 1.0 - 1.3 kg/ha

Remember to provide adequate spacing between celery plants to promote good air circulation. This helps reduce humidity, which can create an unfavorable environment for Sclerotinia development.

Legal

© 2015 - 2024 Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. All rights reserved. The sprout logo, "Farmers Business Network," "FBN,", "Farmers First", and "FBN Direct” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates.

Propulse™ is a registered trademark of Bayer Crop Science Inc.

Pristine is a registered trademark of BASF SE.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

This content was generated with the assistance of Norm℠, FBN’s artificial intelligence (AI) Ag Advisor, based on a dataset of information containing general industry best practices and research. The AI model did not use specific external sources to generate this content. Our process involves using AI to aid human subject matter experts with the initial drafting and/or refinement of content.

The information and content provided is believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. The content is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific agronomic, business, or professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Neither Farmer's Business Network Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed. If you have any questions or feedback about the content, please feel free to contact us or visit our FAQ (https://www.fbn.com/community/blog/norm-faq).

FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. and are available only in provinces where Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Not available in Quebec. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and provincial law to use any pest control product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pest control product is a violation of federal and/or provincial law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, provincial and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license and/or be a certified farmer, to use restricted and commercial pest control products (exceptions may apply based on province). Please consult your applicable provincial authority for complete rules and regulations on licensing, use, and recording keeping requirements of restricted and commercial pest control products.

All product recommendations and other information provided is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for consulting the product label or for specific agronomic, business,or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified advisor. Neither Farmer's Business Network Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.

Call (844) 200-FARM