Sclerotinia rot

Sclerotinia rot, commonly known as white mold, is a widespread fungal disease caused by the pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. This fungus is a significant threat to agriculture as it can infect a vast range of plant species, including onion, garlic, sweet potato, mango, and Passiflora species, causing severe economic damage.

The disease is characterized by the development of fluffy white mycelial growth on infected plant parts, which eventually leads to the formation of hard, black, irregular structures called sclerotia. These sclerotia are the survival stage of the fungus and can persist in the soil for several years.

Favorable conditions for the disease include high humidity, prolonged dampness, and moderate temperatures. The fungus usually enters the host plant through wounds, natural openings, or direct contact between roots and infected soil, spreading rapidly under moisture-rich environments.

The impact of Sclerotinia rot is devastating, as it causes soft rot in roots, stems, and fruit tissues. In vegetable crops like onions and garlic, it rots the bulb base, while in fruit crops such as mango and passion fruit, it can cause fruit rot both on the tree and during post-harvest storage.

• Practice crop rotation with non-host plants.
• Maintain adequate soil drainage to reduce humidity.
• Remove and destroy infected plant debris promptly.
• Apply fungicides as a preventive measure in high-risk areas.
• Ensure proper ventilation in storage facilities to prevent spread.

Managing this disease requires an integrated approach that combines cultural, biological, and chemical methods. Preventing the initial buildup of sclerotia in the field is essential to minimizing the severity of outbreaks and protecting crop yields for future seasons.