Some sclerotia remain dormant in the soil for several years. Because of the longevity of the sclerotia in the soil, Sclerotinia crown and stem rot is difficult to control. Planting seed free of sclerotia, clean cultivation, deep plowing to bury sclerotia beyond their capacity to develop fruiting bodies, and long rotations aid in controlling crown and stem rot. To date, there are no known resistant varieties. Root and Crown Rot Complex Caused by Fusarium Spp.
Root rots are major factors in limiting production of forage legumes.
Several different soil-borne fungi may attack roots. Most commonly found are species of Fusarium. Initial symptoms appear on the leaves, which curl and then turn gray and wilt. The tap root is frequently discolored, light brown to black, and can become completely rotted. New roots are attacked as rapidly as they replace older damaged roots.