Sclerottinia Sclerotiorum

Fungal Disease

Sclerottinia Sclerotiorum

Fungal Disease

Sclerottinia Sclerotiorum

Fungal Disease

Symptoms usually are not observed until the crop canopy between rows has closed, creating a humid microclimate. Wilting and withering of leaves followed by death of plants are usually the first symptoms observed. A close inspection under the plant canopy will reveal a cottony, white mycelial (fungus threads) growth on stems, leaves or pods . Lesions develop on main stems and side branches. Eventually, lesions girdle the stems and the plant parts above die. Stems appear bleached and sometimes shredded from advanced decay. Large, black sclerotia of varying shapes and sizes will form from the white mycelium growing on plant tissue. Sclerotia also form in the stem pith and have a characteristic cylindrical shape. Seeds in diseased pods are usually shriveled and may be infected by the fungus, or replaced by black sclerotia. The seed is usually contaminated with sclerotia when infected plants are harvested.