2023
Biology and Management of White Mold in Ohio
Contributor/Checkoff:
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Crop protectionDiseaseField management
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Horacio Lopez-Nicora, The Ohio State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
23-R-29
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Institution Funded:
Brief Project Summary:
In Ohio, localized white mold outbreaks caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soybean have been reported yearly, especially in the northeast. This project is applied research that advances our understanding of the biology of S. sclerotiorum, which in turn improves predictive models to develop new white mold management strategies. First, this project includes a survey to collect S. sclerotiorum isolates from soybean fields and incidence of white mold in northeast Ohio. Second, research investigates disease incidence, severity and yield response to fungicides applied in fields with history of white mold. Soil sampling to quantify sclerotia and spore traps to measure ascospore dispersal will also increase understanding of the biology of this pathogen.
Key Beneficiaries:
#agronomists, #extension agents, #farmers
Unique Keywords:
#disease, #disease management, #soybean diseases, #white mold
Information And Results
Project Summary

White mold, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is amongst the most devastating and recalcitrant plant diseases worldwide and results in substantial annual losses to soybean production. In Ohio, localized white mold outbreaks in soybean have been reported yearly with high prevalence in the northeast part of the state. The proposed project is applied research that will advance our understanding of the biology of S. sclerotiorum, which will, in turn, improve our predictive models to develop new white mold management strategies for soybean fields in Ohio. First, we propose conducting a survey to collect S. sclerotiorum isolates from soybean fields and incidence of white mold in northeast Ohio. Second, we will investigate disease incidence, severity, and yield response to fungicides applied in fields with history of white mold. Soil sampling to quantify sclerotia and spore traps to measure ascospore dispersal will also be used to better understand the biology of this pathogen.

Project Objectives

Drive Innovation

Project Deliverables

Progress Of Work

Final Project Results

Benefit To Soybean Farmers

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.