Pest & Disease White mold

White mold

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Also Known As - Cottony soft rot (white mold),White mold (Cottony soft rot)

What is White mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum)?

White mold, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a disease that affects various crops worldwide. It has a wide distribution, occurring in regions with cool and moist conditions. Infected plants include soybeans, sunflowers, canola, beans, lettuce, and other susceptible crops. Symptoms of white mold include wilting stems, gray-green or brown leaves, and the presence of white, cottony mycelium and black, hard sclerotia on stems or in the soil.

How does White mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) occur?

It reproduces through the production of small, hard, black sclerotia, which can survive in the soil for several years. These structures are formed from mycelium that colonizes plant tissues and can germinate and produce new fungal growth when environmental conditions are favorable. The fungus can also produce spores called ascospores, which are dispersed by wind and rain and can infect plants through wounds or natural openings. Once inside the host, the fungus spreads through the plant's vascular system, causing extensive damage and often leading to the death of the infected plant.

Symptoms

1 - Plant Damage

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum can cause extensive damage to a wide range of crops, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. The fungus can lead to wilting, yellowing, and soft, water-soaked decay that can ultimately result in plant death.

2 - Soil Contamination

The fungus can produce sclerotia that can remain in the soil for several years, contaminating the soil and making it difficult to grow susceptible crops.

Solutions

1 - Cultural Practices for Prevention and Management

• Crop rotation: Rotate with non-host crops like corn or small grains to reduce the buildup of the pathogen in the soil. • Proper spacing: Use wider row spacing to improve air circulation and reduce humidity within the crop canopy, creating unfavorable conditions for disease development. • Timely planting: Avoid planting during periods of high humidity or when the weather conditions favor the disease. • Good field sanitation: Remove crop debris and plant residues to reduce overwintering of the pathogen. • Plant resistant varieties: Choose soybean or other crop varieties bred for resistance to white mold.

3 - Biological control

Some biological control agents, such as Trichoderma and Bacillus, have shown potential in suppressing the growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. It is important to note that specific fungicides, their efficacy, and application recommendations may vary depending on the region, crop, and local regulations.

4 - Chemical control

Here are a few examples of fungicides commonly used for white mold control caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum • Boscalid: This fungicide is available under various trade names such as Endura, Emerald, and Serenade ASO. • Pyraclostrobin: Fungicides like Headline and Cabrio contain pyraclostrobin as an active ingredient, which provides control against white mold. • Azoxystrobin: Products such as Quadris and Amistar contain azoxystrobin, which is effective against Sclerotinia diseases. • Thiophanate-methyl: Fungicides like Topsin-M and T-Methyl contain thiophanate-methyl and can be used for white mold management. It is important to note that specific fungicides, their efficacy, and application recommendations may vary depending on the region, crop, and local regulations.

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.