Michelle Grabowski- White Mold Part 1: Disease Identification and Management

 

White mold is a devastating fungal disease caused by the pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Many of the most popular annuals are susceptible to infection by white mold including petunia, zinnia, verbena, snap dragon, salvia and many more. In annual bedding plants, white mold causes stem rot and crown rot; resulting in wilt and death of the entire plant mid to late summer. In recent years, more and more grounds managers have been reporting white mold in annual flower beds. Infection has been reported in golf courses, public gardens and home gardens.

In the following two videos learn how to identify white mold infection within the flower bed and strategies to reduce disease problems in infected beds. Find out about the latest research at the UMN on white mold resistant plants.