Common Diseases: Sclerotinia white mold

Biology

Sclerotinia white mold is a fungal disease affecting many herbaceous flowers and vegetable crops. A stem rot and white fungal growth appear at the base of infected plants. Infected plants wilt and die. Hard, round, black resting structures (sclerotia) form in the white mold and often in the center of infected stems. The sclerotia of the fungus survive in the soil and infect subsequent plantings. White mold development is favored by overfertilization and moist conditions.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Plow the field deeply once to bury sclerotia before planting.
• Space plantings to provide good air circulation within and between rows.
• Remove and destroy infected plants and plant debris. Do not compost infected plant material.
• Rotate crops. Do not plant susceptible crops in previously infested soil.
• Provide proper plant culture. Avoid overfertilization and overwatering.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

None recommended.

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