Sclerotinia Can Destroy Up to 80% of the Harvest: How to Protect Crops

Sclerotinia, also known as white mold, is one of the most dangerous fungal diseases capable of inflicting devastating damage on agricultural crops. According to agricultural market experts, under climate conditions favorable for the development of the infection and in the absence of timely protective measures, crop losses can reach a catastrophic 80 percent. This poses a direct threat to the profitability of crop production businesses across many regions.

The pathogen of this dangerous disease is extremely resilient and can persist in the soil and on plant residues in the form of sclerotia for a long time. The fungus infects various parts of plants, including stems, roots, and heads, disrupting the transport of water and nutrients. As a result, infected plants prematurely wilt, break, and die, leading not only to quantitative losses of seeds and grain but also to a significant deterioration in the quality of commercial produce.

To effectively counter Sclerotinia, agronomists must apply an integrated approach that includes careful crop rotation, the use of healthy seed material, and modern fungicide treatments. Because the fungus easily adapts to minimum tillage conditions and crop rotations saturated with susceptible crops such as sunflower, rapeseed, and soybean, prevention becomes paramount even before machinery enters the field.

An important element of integrated protection is monitoring fields during early vegetation stages and applying scientifically sound pesticide application schedules during critical plant development phases. Experts recommend paying special attention to selecting resistant hybrids and varieties, as well as properly managing crop stand density to avoid excessive moisture in the root zone, which stimulates the germination of sclerotia.

Modern technologies and timely recommendations from agronomic services help minimize risks and preserve yield potential even during unfavorable seasons. Investments in high-quality plant protection products and professional farm management pay off through stable gross harvests and high-quality raw materials for processing.