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Finding management solutions

to a devastating pathogen

S

clerotinia sclerotiorum

is the causal agent of Sclerotinia

stem rot on soybean and Sclerotinia head rot on sunflower.

The fungus can infect more than 400 host species and

can survive in the soil for up to eight years (depending on

environmental conditions) – thus making this disease a challenge to

manage.

No resistant soybean or sunflower cultivars are available and only

a few chemical control products are registered for use against

Sclerotinia.

In the light of the above challenges and after attending the National

Sclerotinia Initiative in Minnesota in January last year, we created

a platform for young researchers to assist one another and share

their experiences with Sclerotinia research in South Africa. How-

ever, there was significant interest from beyond academic

institutions, and so the South African Sclerotinia Research Network

(SASRN) was born.

SASRN is a virtual community of practice for Sclerotinia researchers

in South Africa and serves as a platform where collaborations can

be established, and parallel and comprehensive research goals can

be met that benefit multiple investigators and the public. We aim to

generate social and academic capital where experienced investiga­

tors can exchange knowledge gained with peer investigators.

In September last year, SASRN had its inaugural meeting and

has since then continued working with Grain SA as well as industry

and academic partners. Currently, SASRN is applying for research

funding to investigate solutions for Sclerotinia diseases of soybean

and sunflowers and, in future, canola.

Prediction model

Researchers at the University of the Free State are developing

a prediction model to assist producers in identifying the risk of

Sclerotinia disease developing at critical growth stages during the

cropping season.

Disease forecast models serve as an early warning system to assist

producers in optimising the timing of fungicide applications to

ensure optimal efficiency. In Europe, canola field experiments

between 1981 and 2004 indicated that fungicide sprays were

only 27% to 33% cost-effective against Sclerotinia stem rot

(Koch

et al

., 2007).

In Sou h Africa, chemical agents represent a significant portion

of a producer’s production costs, and forecast models can assist

producers in either minimising fungicide applications or increasing

the efficacy of the application without compromising the degree of

control.

Thus the objective is to accurately predict when the host, environ­

ment and pathogen interact in such a manner that disease can occur

and can cause economic loss. The effects of other driving variables

such as resistance, planting dates and cropping practices are also

considered.

There are three key issues which SASRN would like to focus on:

Generate a local centre of excellence and expertise.

Be the ‘face’ for Sclerotinia researchers nationally and inform

the international community of the role South Africa can play in

Sclerotinia research.

Finding practical solutions for South African producers against

diseases caused by

Sclerotinia

spp.

While producer-focused research to develop practical management

strategies to

Sclerotinia

diseases is the main focus of the network,

the collaborations established by the network is also a crucial

aspect. The collaborations promote communication between parties

involved, preventing duplication and allowing researchers to inform

industry directly of findings, and

vice versa

.

This network is also a platform where industry and academia can

listen to the needs of producers with a view of actively resolving

issues through applied and directed research questions. The

community of practice established will drive the communication

between producers and network members.

If you are a researcher or producer and you are interested in

connecting with us and growing our network, please contact Lisa

at

coetzeela@ufs.ac.za

. Please support our

Facebook

page, South

African Sclerotinia Research Network, tag us

@sclerotiniaza

, use the

#sclerotiniaZA

or contact

sclerotinianetwork@gmail.com

if you are

interested in more information.

65

September 2018

FoCus

Integrated pest control

The South African Sclerotinia Research Network:

Lisa Rothmann,

Plant Sciences Department, University of the Free State and

Miekie Human,

research assistant, Grain SA

1: Apothecia – fruiting structure, responsible for the

production and release of ascospores of

S. sclerotiorum.

2: Mycelium of S. sclerotiorum on soybean stem

(Sclerotinia stem rot).

3: Severe sunflower head rot caused by

S. sclerotiorum​

.

1

2

3