A petal survey for Sclerotinia in canola across NSW and northern Victoria

Abstract

Key findings »» Sites in the Riverina, Cootamundra, Cowra and Grenfell developed high levels of Sclerotinia-infested petals during the flowering period in 2015. »» No correlation was found between individual districts and petal infestation levels. »» The amount of rainfall during flowering was positively correlated to the level of inoculum. »» Rainfall during flowering is not the only factor that determines the level of petal infestation. Other factors such as initial inoculum level (from sclerotia), crop height, crop-canopy density and paddock history play a significant role.