Insects and Diseases PS&C Prairie Soils & Crops Journal Managing Sclerotinia in Oilseed and Pulse Crops

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a fungal pathogen that infects more than 400 plant species in more than 60 families, causing significant economic losses in many crops in Canada and worldwide. Sclerotinia diseases are among the most important constraints to successful production of oilseed and pulse crops in the prairie region of western Canada. Although significant sclerotinia levels can develop in many broadleaf crops, levels can vary widely among fields and years. Successful management of sclerotinia diseases can be difficult to achieve given the lack of resistant crop cultivars, and limited impact of cultural practices on disease risk. However, it is still possible to minimize the risk of sclerotinia through the adoption of key management strategies for canola, sunflower and bean