The Challenge

Sclerotinia disease continues to be a production constraint to many crops in Alberta. Initial research has potentially found two new effective management tools, but more research is required to confidently support them.

The Project

Determine if there is a benefit between a micronutrient and a Sclerotinia fungicide combination on bean and canola for white mould and stem rot management.

The Results

In vitro, Fluazinam (1.67mg/mL) + copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4) combination showed to be the most effective with a log reduction of 3.64. Heads Up® was the best at reducing white mould in dry bean for 3 out of 8 site years and had the highest seed yield for dry bean in 5 out of 8 years. Acibenzolar-S-methyl and β-Aminobutanoic acids were best at reducing stem rot on canola and β-Aminobutanoic acid had the highest yields in 4 out of 8 site years. Fluazinam activity was the most responsive to the addition of the micronutrient and was greatly enhanced in its ability to reduce S. sclerotiorum biofilms. Additionally, if the field contained a Sclerotinia-tolerant variety, the severity of sclerotinia was consistently reduced. However, these plots did not consistently produce higher yields.

Grower Benefits

Sclerotinia continues to be a hindrance across the prairies. More research is required on managing this disease, although a combination of tolerant varieties, fungicides (fluazinam or cyprodinil)+ micronutrients (CuSO4, AgNO3 or ZnSO4) may provide additional benefit.

Keywords: Sclerotinia, Edible beans, Beans, Sclerotinia-tolerant