Research on the Farm (ROTF)

Background Information

• Sclerotinia is a major disease pest affecting many crops, and farmers rely on genetics and fungicides for control.
• Sclerotinia head and stem infections occur when apothecia release ascospores, which land on plant tissue.
• There is concern about timing and efficacy of fungicide applications to control sclerotinia head rot in sunflower, specifically.
• All fungicides were aerial-applied at R5 stage.

Summary

Fungicides registered in Manitoba for sclerotinia head rot in Sunflower are Acapela, boscalid products (Lance, used in 2024), prothioconazole products (Proline, used in 2024), and Quash. Also available for soil-applied applications is LALSTOP Contans WG.

Zero out of six sites in this trial showed significant yield differences. Disease ratings were carried out at the R9 stage (physiological maturity) at all sites. The Quash application at site SFLF06 appeared to have an impact on sclerotinia head rot infection. Both Lance and Proline appeared to have an impact on rust incidence at site SFLF01, but this difference was not statistically significant with the given data.