2022
Integrated white mold management in Ohio
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Contributor/Checkoff:
Ohio Soybean Council
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
Crop protectionDiseaseField management
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Mitchell Roth, The Ohio State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
22-R-24
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Ohio Soybean Council
$50,000
Institution Funded:
The Ohio State University
$50,000
Brief Project Summary:
In Ohio, localized white mold outbreaks caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in soybean have been reported yearly, especially in the northeast. This project is applied research that advances our understanding of the biology of S. sclerotiorum, which in turn improves predictive models to develop new white mold management strategies. First, this project includes a survey to collect S. sclerotiorum isolates from soybean fields and incidence of white mold in northeast Ohio. Second, research investigates disease incidence, severity and yield response to fungicides applied in fields with history of white mold. Soil sampling to quantify sclerotia and spore traps to measure ascospore dispersal will also increase understanding of the biology of this pathogen.
Key Beneficiaries:
#agronomists, #extension agents, #farmers
Unique Keywords:
#disease, #disease management, #soybean diseases, #white mold
Information And Results
Project Summary

White mold in soybean is caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and is present throughout Ohio fields. This fungus survives in the soil for up to 8 years, causing yield losses of epidemic proportions. In 2017 alone, white mold resulted in over 60 million bushels of yield loss. Predicting appropriate application timings for fungicide application is challenging. Fungicide application is the primary management strategy for white mold, so there are growing concerns of fungicide efficacy against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Furthermore, strong genetic resistance to white mold remains elusive. The objectives here are to 1) evaluate the accuracy of white mold risk prediction models throughout Ohio 2) examine the effectiveness of fungicides on fungal growth using historical and new isolates and 3) investigate genetic susceptibility mechanisms to improve genetic resistance to white mold. Successful completion will ensure that options are available for managing white mold in soybean in Ohio.

Project Objectives

Drive Innovation

Project Deliverables

Progress Of Work

Final Project Results

Benefit To Soybean Farmers

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.