Sclerotia germination, spore production, dispersal and infection are all dependent on environmental conditions - temperature, free moisture, wind, and plant stage. There has been considerable interest in using pesticides to control white mold. Pesticides provide a control method which can be applied after planting and still be effective for this season. ISU plant pathology and his project are studying the use of fungicides, rate of application, timing, and number of sprays to control white mold severity. Seed Transmission Dr. McGee and Dr. X.B. Yang are investigations whether soybean seed can carry the fungus and produce the disease in the field.
Early indications show it's possible.
Up to 5 percent of seed may be infected. Researchers reported that infected soubean seeds can produce sclerotia under controlled laboratory conditions. This has been confirmed by plant pathologists at University of Illinois. Biological Control Plant Pathologist Dr. Charlie Martinson is studying a promising biological control. He said a fungal parasite eats white mold sclerotial.