Watery soft rot (White rot)

Caused by: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Problem Category: Fungal Disease
Symptoms: Soft rotting area at base of stem which spreads upwards successively killing leaves by causing them to drop and infect the leaf below; when fungus reaches the head it causes a soft, slimy, watery rot
Comments: Disease emergence is favored by frequent rainfall that keep soil close to saturation
Management: The number of sclerotia in the soil can be reduced by plowing crop debris deep into soil and rotating crops every 3 years with non-host crops; severe infestations may require control through application of appropriate fungicide
Control: Spray 10% cow urine extract to control the rot