Field Identification
White Rot is a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants, characterized by a white, cottony mold that leads to tissue decay. It can affect stems, leaves, and roots, severely weakening plant health.
The fungus produces a distinctive white, fluffy mycelium and forms hard, black sclerotia on infected tissues. As the disease progresses, plant parts become water-soaked, soft, and ultimately collapse.
How to Deal With It
Organic Control Methods
Maintain proper spacing, reduce excess moisture, and remove infected plant debris to lower the fungal inoculum.
Encourage antagonistic microbes and beneficial fungi that inhibit Sclerotinia sclerotiorum growth.
Practice crop rotation, choose resistant varieties, and avoid overhead irrigation to reduce leaf wetness.
Promptly remove and destroy infected tissues and use physical barriers in high-risk areas.
Apply organic fungicides such as copper-based products, sulfur, or bicarbonate solutions at the early stages of infection.
Let Nature Handle It
Natural Enemies
- Beneficial Microbes
- Antagonistic Fungi
Threat Map