White mold is a fungal disease that can cause significant damage to soybean crops. It is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which produces small, black survival structures called sclerotia. Sclerotia can germinate to produce apothecia (mushrooms) at the soil surface and up to a depth of 2 inches under favorable conditions. The apothecia release spores that can infect soybean plants.
White mold is most severe in cool, wet weather. This summer's conditions have been favorable for the development of white mold, and the disease has infected soybean fields across the state.
There are five main strategies that farmers can use to manage white mold:
1. Crop rotation: Planting soybeans in fields that have not been planted to soybeans or other susceptible crops for at least two years can help to reduce the amount of inoculum in the soil.
2. Tillage: Tillage can help to bury sclerotia deeper in the soil, making it more difficult for them to germinate. However, it is important to note that tillage can also bring sclerotia back to the surface, so it is important to use tillage judiciously.
3. Biological control. There are a number of biological control products available that can help to reduce the amount of inoculum in the soil. These products contain beneficial fungi that attack and destroy sclerotia.
4. Harvest management. Harvesting infested fields last can help to reduce the spread of sclerotia to non-infested fields. It is also important to clean the combine thoroughly before entering non-infested fields.
5. Combine cleaning. Adjusting the combine fan and sieve settings can help to remove sclerotia from the grain tank. This will help to reduce the spread of sclerotia to other fields.
Managing white mold in soybean fields is essential for future crop health. By following these recommendations and maintaining good practices, you can protect your harvests and reduce white mold's impact on future crops.
Photo Credit: istock-sandramatic
Categories: Michigan, Crops, Soybeans