Kate Everts, Vegetable Pathologist, University of Delaware and University of Maryland; keverts@umd.edu
The fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes disease on hundreds of plant species. Timber rot or Sclerotinia rot is becoming a very serious problem in tomatoes (and other crops) grown in high tunnels. Even when a high tunnel is moved between seasons, the disease can be severe because the fungus overwinters both in and around the tunnels. Usually the primary source of inoculum is outside of a high tunnel. In the spring when the soil is moist, the fungal fruiting bodies emerge and spores (ascospores) are released. These ascospores will be released continually throughout the spring and are carried on wind into the doors or raised sides of nearby high tunnels. Ascospores are usually carried or dispersed less than 330 feet. Therefore it is important to use sanitation within 330 feet of a high tunnel. No plants, leaf clippings, potting mix, or soil from the tunnels should be discarded within this area.
The biocontrol Contans has been effective in managing Sclerotinia diseases in the field. Contans, which is a formulation of the fungus Coniothyrium minitans, parasitizes the survival structures of S. sclerotiorum. If it is sprayed on the area around the high tunnel and watered into the soil, it may help reduce ascospore formation in future years. Because the product is living, it must be handled carefully prior to use. Contans would be a good choice to try in fields or areas around high tunnels, which are used repeatedly for a susceptible crop. See the Contans label for additional information.
Other products labeled for Sclerotinia timber rot are Endura, which is labeled for field use, and Botran, which is labeled for greenhouse use.
The black sclerotia on the small tomato fruit will overwinter and result in ascospore formation in future years. The fruit should be either buried or discarded more that 330 feet from the high tunnel.
Tomato fruit infected with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.