Lettuce wilt is one of the problems that affects the productivity of this important crop. In this article from the “WORLD OF PLANTS” website, we discuss the causes of wilting and methods of prevention and control to maintain the health of the lettuce plant.
Introduction to lettuce wilt
English name: Sclerotinia minor, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Scientific name: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Type of disease: innate
The family: Sclerotiniaceae
Symptoms of lettuce wilt
- Lettuce wilt is characterized by wilting and collapse the plant entire Rapidly.
- Become The stem is near the soil line Soft And filled with water, It may be covered in white, fuzzy, fuzzy growths.
- As the disease progresses, Wither The leaves of the plant turn brown And dry.
- May be Survival structures (sclerotia) of fungi Visible On rotting plant tissue.
Causes of lettuce wilting
Lettuce is caused by wilt Fungi Parasitic Sclerotinia minor And Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which can stay In the soil for several years.
Conditions for the spread of lettuce wilt
- Sclerotinia fungi grow in conditions Cold And wet، With temperatures ranging between 15.5°C and 24°C (60°F and 75°F) And high humidity.
- It can spread Fungi Through contaminated soil, water, or infected plant debris.
Lettuce wilt disease cycle
- can live Sclerotinia fungi in soil Sclerotia or Mycelium On plant remains.
- When conditions are right، Sprout Sclerotia It produces mushroom-like structures it's called Bactericidal discs، Which releases germs By spores.
- can infect These germs Lettuce plants، Especially in the leg or crown area.
- after that، Colonize Fungi Plant tissue، It produces more sclerotia، The disease cycle continues.
Lettuce wilt losses
- can cause Lettuce wilt Significant losses in yield and quality، Infected plants often become unmarketable.
- In severe cases، Entire fields of lettuce may need to be abandoned or replanted.
Lettuce wilt control strategy
An integrated approach including cultural practices, crop rotation, and fungicide application is recommended to control lettuce wilt.
Preventive measures for lettuce wilt
- Practice crop rotation with non-host crops.
- Avoid excessive moisture in the field.
- Remove and destroy infected plant remains.
Organic/chemical control of lettuce wilt
- For organic control، Apply biological control agents such as Coniothyrium minitans or Trichoderma harzianum To suppress Sclerotinia fungi.
- Chemical fungicides containing active ingredients such as boscalid, fluazinam, or fludioxonil can also be used according to label instructions..
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References:
- University of California Integrated Pest Management – Lettuce Drop (http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/r280100511.html)
- HOW TO IDENTIFY AND PREVENT COMMON LETTUCE DISEASES – gardenerspath
- Observations of Pythium and INSV Infections in Lettuce Fields – University of California
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