White mould
A fungal disease that covers stems, leaves and pods in fluffy white growth and leaves hard black lumps inside and on the plant.
Also known as: Sclerotinia rot, Cottony rot, Watery soft rot
Symptoms and identification
Water-soaked, pale patches turn into soft, rotting tissue covered in dense white cottony mould. Stems may bleach and shred, and hard black lumps the size of peppercorns to peas form on and inside the stem. Plants wilt and collapse above the rotted area.
Causes
The resting bodies survive in soil for many years. In cool, damp weather with dense plantings and long periods of leaf wetness, they germinate and release spores that infect old flowers, wounds and stems.
Organic treatment
Cut away and bin infected plants straight away, including the black lumps. Remove old flowers before they drop on foliage.
Prevention
Give plants room and avoid planting too densely. Water in the morning at the soil line, rotate crops with grasses and cereals for 3 to 4 years, and remove plant debris. Do not compost infected plants.
Chemical treatment (use with care)
Fungicides labelled for Sclerotinia can protect healthy plants if applied before infection, for example at flowering. Follow the label.