(Sclerotinia sclerotiorum)
Credits: Biovision-Infonet
The disease is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and is characterised by development of soft, watery rot of leaves, crowns and roots.
Affected areas become covered with white, cottony fungal growth in which black, irregular, fungal resting bodies (sclerotia) form.
The sclerotia enable the fungus to survive for long periods in the soil. This disease is a serious field and storage problem.
If diseased roots are packed, extensive breakdown may occur during transit and storage.
What to do:
- Practice 3-year rotation using cereals and forage grasses.
- Soil flooding is helpful where feasible.
- Do not pack and store damaged and or diseased roots.
- Use clean containers in storage.
- Maintain temperature near 0degC and a relative humidity no higher than 95% during storage.