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POSTERS: Biological Control I

P-037 - Breaking the (white) mold: evaluating commercial and potential biocontrol solutions for Sclerotinia Stem Rot of canola in Minnesota

Monday, August 4, 2025
3:45 PM - 4:30 PM HST
Location: Exhibit Hall 3
Abstract Text: Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, can lead to yield losses over 50%, increased pod shatter, and reduced seed quality in canola production. This study evaluated biofungicides for SSR management in Minnesota and identified potential biocontrol agents by analyzing microbial colonizers of sclerotia. Eight biofungicide treatments were applied at different application rates and timings (Contans, Double Nickel LC, Serenade OPTI, and Contans + Serenade OPTI) and compared to conventional fungicides Endura (AI: Boscalid) and Endura + Proline (AI: Prothioconazole). Under low disease pressure in Saint Paul, no significant treatment effects were observed. In Roseau, disease pressure was higher (average DSI = 9.24) and conventional treatments reduced disease incidence (p = 0.001), severity (p = 0.001), and increased yield (p =  0.045) compared to other treatments. The biological controls did not have a significant effect on disease metrics or yield in either location, indicating that application was not economically viable. Sixty-nine bacterial and twenty-nine fungal isolates were isolated from the sclerotia and tested for their antagonistic effects against S. sclerotiorum in dual culture assays. Seven bacterial and ten fungal isolates showed antagonistic potential in dual culture assays; these isolates will be genetically identified by sequencing the ITS region or 16srRNA. With limited commercial biofungicide options, optimizing application timing and developing new products are key to improving SSR management and providing growers effective tools.