Lettuce drop (white mold)
Sclerotinia spp.
Also Known As - White mold (lettuce drop)What is Lettuce drop (Sclerotinia spp.)?
Sclerotinia lettuce drop disease is caused by two species, Sclerotinia minor and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, affecting lettuce in California. S. minor primarily infects stems and leaves in contact with the soil, leading to brown, soft decay, wilting, and plant collapse at maturity. White mycelia and small black resting bodies (sclerotia) form on the decayed crown. S. sclerotiorum infects lower leaves and stems, along with aerial spores causing watery, soft rot and larger sclerotia.
How does Lettuce drop (Sclerotinia spp.) occur?
These fungi reproduce and spread through the production of small, hard, resting structures called sclerotia. These sclerotia can survive in the soil for extended periods, up to 2-3 years, in the absence of suitable hosts. When favorable conditions of cool and moist weather occur, the fungi develop fruiting structures (apothecia) that produce airborne spores. These spores can infect lettuce plants, especially damaged or senescent tissue, leading to disease development and symptom expression.
Symptoms
1 - Effects on Plants
• Infected plants experience rapid wilting due to damage to their vascular systems caused by the fungus. • White mold can cause significant yield loss in affected crops. Infected plants may show reduced quality, including decay and rotting of affected tissues.
2 - Effects on Soil
• Sclerotia, the survival structures of the white mold fungus, can persist in the soil for several years and can lead to disease recurrence in subsequent planting seasons. • White mold's wide host range can make crop rotation challenging as many different crops can be affected.
Solutions
1 - Cultural Practices
• Canopy Management: Proper row spacing and removal of obstructions for airflow. • Irrigation Management: Avoid long periods of leaf wetness and use drip irrigation if possible. • Crop Rotation: Rotate to non-host crops to reduce sclerotia buildup. • Weed Management: Control weeds are known to be hosts of white mould. • Tillage Practices: Consider ploughing to bury sclerotia but be cautious of bringing buried sclerotia back to the surface.
2 - Biological Controls
• Coniothyrium minitans: Use products containing C. minitans to parasitize sclerotia. Sufficient time is needed for C. minitans to colonize and provide control.
3 - Chemical Controls
• Apply fungicides as protectants against aerial spores and manage sclerotia. • Consider using products like Endura, Fontelis, and Miravis Prime to reduce plant death caused by white mold.
Susceptible Species
FAQ
Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?
Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.
How often should you water indoor plants?
Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.
Can my monstera plant get root rot?
Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.
Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?
No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.
What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?
If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.
Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?
Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.
Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?
Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.
Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?
No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.
