When it comes to white mold, history tends to repeat itself. So the best way to control its cause, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is to avoid spreading it to uninfected fields and preventing germination in those where inoculum is present.

According to a University of Florida Extension article for Growing Produce, the presence of small, black sclerotia and white, cottony-like mycelium are both indicators of white mold infection. The disease usually starts when the plant contacts infected soil or plant debris.

In potatoes and fruiting vegetables, white mold symptoms first appear at flowering as water-soaked spots. As the disease progresses, it invades the stem causing girdling and eventual death of the upper part. Large portions of the field may become diseased, producing large, circular areas of dead plants.

Control measures are most effective early in the season and can reduce the severity of infection as well as the potential carryover of sclerotia to the following season. Integrated management employing cultural, biological, and chemical control is essential for the successful management of disease.

Syngenta offers several fungicide options to assist growers in their battle against Sclerotinia diseases. Omega® Top MP fungicide combines the power of fluazinam and difenoconazole to deliver long-lasting, broad-spectrum white mold disease control and proven performance for resistance management in potatoes. Quadris® fungicide offers optimal disease control to help vegetable growers effectively manage Sclerotinia diseases and maximize return on investment.

To learn more about these and other Syngenta fungicides, visit www.syngenta-us.com/crop-protection/fungicides/products or contact your Syngenta sales representative.

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