The presence of Sclerotinia Stem Rot is quite prevalent at varying levels of infection in canola fields throughout the County.
What is it?
Sclerotinia causes an infection that affects canola plants mostly during the flowering and petal drop stage.
What are the Complications?
Sclerotinia causes premature ripening of plants, affecting the yield of canola crops. The effects of Sclerotinia are more damaging during periods of alternating weather, such as high moisture combined with warmer conditions.
Tips on Sclerotinia prevention and management
What to Look For
Sclerotinia stem lesion Sclerotinia leaf lesion
Sclerotinia apothecia Sclerotinia shredding
Sclerotinia bodies
Prevention
There are many different strategies you can use to reduce the risk of getting Sclerotinia Stem Rot:
- Early season scouting of crops;
- Practice canola rotations of 1 in 4 years;
- Use resistant varieties;
- Petal testing during early flowering stage; and
- Use registered fungicide during proper time in season.