Sclerotiniosis, or white mold, is one of the most prevalent aggressive fungal diseases affecting sunflowers, soybeans, rapeseed, corn, vegetables, and others. The disease is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The fungus forms sclerotia on the infected plant tissues—elongated or round bodies composed of densely intertwined mycelial threads.
There are three types of infection:
▪️ Subterranean: It affects the root system and seedlings, which become covered with a white mold, leading to wilting and complete drying out. The affected plants significantly lag in growth as the absorbent capacity of the infected roots is blocked. ➡️ Losses and plant mortality can exceed 30%.
▪️ Stem: This form progresses actively during emergence and throughout the vegetation period. The seeds and leaves of infected plants turn brown, while the stems in the basal region decay and become covered with a white mold, blocking the vascular bundles. The upper part of the stem with leaves wilts, and the plant dies. Brownish-brown spots appear on mature plants, tissue in the affected areas breaks down, the stem’s pith dries up, and sclerotia form in the cavity, blocking the xylem and phloem. ➡️ Infected stems break, wither, and die.
▪️ Head: This is the most damaging form. Plants are affected from the end of the flowering phase until maturity. The highest incidence is observed during warm and rainy weather. Brown spots appear on the inner part of the head, covering a significant portion of it. Later, the head, along with the seeds, becomes covered with a white mold, rots, and develops sclerotia. The mycelium rapidly grows and destroys the seed embryo, resulting in a decrease in the weight of 1,000 seeds and oil production. ➡️ Crop losses range from 10% to 90% ❗️
🟢 We suggest paying attention to the biological product SCLEROSTOP by LIFE BIOCHEM™️ — a microbiological fungicidal agent against white mold caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in sunflowers and vegetable crops. (Product composition: Trichoderma viride, Coniothyrium minitans)
How does it work?
The highly active strain of Trichoderma viride suppresses the development of other phytopathogens. Due to their high biological activity, microorganisms quickly colonize the surrounding space and actively participate in the decomposition of organic compounds, ammonification and nitrification processes, enhanced mobilization of phosphorus and potassium, and enrichment of the soil with available forms of nutrients. Effective eradication of the white mold pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The product consists of two strains of microorganisms – Trichoderma viride and Coniothyrium minitans. The combination is selected to ensure maximum product effectiveness. The quick and efficient action of the product is due to the absence of competing strains in its composition, and the microorganisms Trichoderma viride and Coniothyrium minitans immediately begin to combat pathogens without being distracted by interaction with other strains.
Works at low temperatures (down to +2°C). Increases the amount of organic matter in the soil.
Application methods:
▫️Soil application (pre-sowing treatment, during sowing): 2–5 L/ha.
▫️Foliar spraying during vegetation: 1–2 L/ha.
Advantages of SCLEROSTOP:
✅ Wide range of microorganism strains.
✅ Clearly expressed preventive and curative action.
✅ Environmentally safe.
✅ Low cost of use.
🎞 Learn more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f3uXF88GDU