Impact of Timing, Rate and Application Technology on Biological Control of Sclerotinia Stem Rot of Canola caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Researcher:

Debra McLaren, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Brandon, Robert Conner and Dave McAndrew, AAFC, Morden

Project Code:

CARP 2006-03

Final Report:

March 2009

Summary:

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is one of the most important pathogens affecting canola and other susceptible crops such as dry bean in western Canada. In canola, even a yield loss of 3% would cost producers approximately $13M yearly. This research project provides new information regarding the impact of the biocontrol agent Coniothyrium minitans (CM) on canola disease levels, yield, and inoculum potential of S. sclerotiorum for subsequent crops and years. The study results showed that CM reduced the survival of sclerotia of S. sclerotiorum under field conditions. Yield increases due to the application CM were also evident and would translate into significant savings for producers.