In one study, the first field trial provided good results, but subsequent trials gave poorer results due to low temperatures and unsatisfactory moisture conditions during the trial. However, the effectiveness of these fungi under natural conditions is uncertain. Preventing the build up of humidity beneath and between the foliage of susceptible crops is one way to thwart infection. Wider row spacing of plants, use of wire trellis supports to raise foliage from the ground, and pruning of branches, are some ways to decrease humidity. Field trials using these methods are encouraging and control could be improved by using fungicides in combination with these practices.
Crop rotation is a necessary practice for minimizing many diseases.
However, it is not an effective for control of Sclerotinia diseases because of the longevity of soil borne sclerotia. In addition, tilling generally assures the presence of sclerotia at or near the soil surface. Resistant cultivars are essentially nonexistent, but there are people working towards that goal. Currently most work has been on beans and germ-plasm resistance. Results suggest that plant coverage rather than systemic movement of benomyl is important for good control.