Sclerotinia minor

Sclerotinia minor is a species of fungus in the family Sclerotiniaceae. It is a plant pathogen that causes Sclerotinia rot, also known as lettuce drop, in a variety of crops.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1917 by J.C. Gilman and E.V. Abbott. It is classified within the Ascomycota division of fungi, specifically in the Helotiales order and Sclerotiniaceae family.

Description

Sclerotinia minor is characterized by its production of small, black, hard structures called sclerotia. These sclerotia are the primary means of survival for the fungus, allowing it to persist in soil for extended periods of time. The fungus also produces hyphae, which are thread-like structures that spread the infection to other parts of the plant.

Pathology

Sclerotinia minor is a necrotrophic pathogen, meaning it kills plant tissue and then feeds on the dead material. It primarily affects the leaves and stems of plants, causing wilting, yellowing, and eventual death. The fungus is particularly damaging to lettuce crops, where it causes a disease known as lettuce drop. Other susceptible crops include sunflower, peanut, and bean.

Management

Control of Sclerotinia minor involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical treatments. Crop rotation and deep plowing can help to reduce the amount of sclerotia in the soil. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease, although resistance to these chemicals is a concern.

See also

• Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
• Plant pathology
• Fungicide resistance