Dense, fuzzy, cottony-like, white mycelium will develop on infected tissues sometimes accompanied by the formation of sclerotia when humidity conditions permit.
A common fungal disease that favors high moisture conditions and develops primarily during winter time. White mold favors relatively low temperatures between 8 and 20°C, can survive on dead tissues and remain in the soil for several years.
Monitoring: Scout your field, search plants for the presence of white mold on a weekly basis.
Sanitation: Plant debris must be removed during cultivation.
Proper soil drainage: The presence of standing water will promote the spread of white mold.
When long periods of high moisture are expected or when infected plant has been observed, consider an application of fungicides.
The following is a list of generic names for useful fungicides:
Pyrimethanil, cyprodinil+fludioxonil, benomyl, thiram, iprodione, procymidone, vinclozolin, and carbendazim
Products based on tea tree oil and Potassium Hydrogen Carbonate+copper sulfate
Bacillus subtilis
*Names marked in red are considered to be highly poisonous to beneficial insects.
*Names marked in green are considered to be organic and IPM (integrated pest management) compatible.