A sclerotinia stem rot checklist can also assist in predicting stem rot disease levels. The checklist considers yield potential, previous disease presence and current weather conditions. Ask your agricultural representative for a copy of the checklist. The checklist will provide some direction in making a decision on whether or not to use a fungicide. All canola varieties are susceptible to sclerotinia.
Polish varieties have lighter canopies and seem to have much lower infection levels.
Use seed that is free from sclerotia. A minimum of a 4-year rotation between susceptible crops is recommended. Sclerotinia also attacks pulse crops, sunflowers, mustard, sweet clover, and potatoes. This limits the crops that can be used in a rotation to manage the disease. To check bloom stage, sample several plants over the field and assess the number of open flowers.