- Author: Carol A Frate
Published on: November 27, 2012
We may begin to see symptoms (stem wilting) and signs (white fungal mycelium growing on stems) of Sclerotinia stem and crown rot now that there has been some rain and fog. Although the fungus infects mature plants, we are most concerned when the disease infects fall planted fields because seedlings and young plants are more easily killed by Sclerotinia than established alfalfa plants.
The disease begins in the late fall/early winter when spore bearing structures (apothecia) are produced by the fungus on the soil surface. Apothecia production is triggered by cold, wet soil. We have had some cold weather and in many places in the Central Valley there has been sufficient rain to promote apothecia production. Spores,...
Tags: Sclerotinia (1)
Comments: 0
Viewing -3--3 of 1