Australia
June 12, 2014

Sclerotinia stem rot was widespread in Western Australia’s canola growing regions in 2013 and caused significant losses in the worst affected crops.

In the past, the fungal disease has been considered an issue mainly in WA’s northern agricultural region but it has begun to affect canola crops in most of the State’s high rainfall areas.

Prolonged humid or wet conditions during flowering are needed for infection, which is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

Crop rotations provide the only option for long-term management of sclerotinia given the extended viability of the pathogen.

Preventative fungicide applications are currently the only in-crop management tool.

A new Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) fact sheet – Sclerotinia Stem Rot in Canola – contains information about the disease, including prevention and management measures. It is available at www.grdc.com.au/GRDC-FS-SclerotiniainCanola.

Additional information is contained in the GRDC Back Pocket Guide Diseases of Canola and their Management available via www.grdc.com.au/GRDC-BPG-CanolaDiseases.

Website: http://www.grdc.com.au

Published: June 12, 2014