North Dakota, USA
October 20, 2014
Source: Know More, Grow More, Syngenta
The first and most important thing you can do to combat white mold in soybeans is to rotate to a non-host crop such as corn, wheat or barley. It’s also important in the rotational year to control broadleaf weeds. This will help prevent the possibility of infestation on an alternate host. Using high-performing residual herbicides to control weeds all season long will be important.
If you’re planting a crop susceptible to white mold, deep tillage can also be beneficial if your crop is experiencing its first major outbreak of white mold in the last five to seven years. Deep tillage should be followed by surface cultivation for the next five-plus years, as recommended by this resource from North Dakota State University Extension.
When planting into areas with a history of white mold, variety selection becomes very important. In addition to choosing varieties that have disease resistance, also take into account the physiological resistance attributes including resistance to lodging, canopy porosity and canopy height. Also consider using varieties that are early maturing for a more normal planting timing.
The use of fungicides can also be an effective way to manage this disease. Using a fungicide like Omega® 500F at the labeled rate for white mold can help to reduce disease severity in the field. Application timing is early to late bloom.
Remember, this is a preventative application, so for the best results, you will want to apply before there is an infection.
The areas where crops are most susceptible to white mold include:
- Areas with tight rotations of susceptible crops such as sunflowers, canola, dry beans and soybeans
- Areas near wind breaks and shelter belts. Shelter belts reduce air movement and prevent the canopy from drying out, thus increasing the occurrence of white mold.
- Areas with a history of white mold presence. The more active spores and viable hosts, the more susceptible the field.
Reporting from Bismarck, ND
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