SkleroPro: a new disease and yield-loss-related forecasting model for Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in winter oilseed rape in Germany

摘要

Sclerotinia stem rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, has become a major threat for oilseed rape in Germany, its growing importance being a result of the increased intensity in cultivation of this oil crop in the last two decades. Yield losses ofup to 50% due to this disease have been reported in various regions and years. In Germany, the disease primarily occurs in areas with a short crop rotation cycle. At present, control of Sclerotinia stem rot in winter oilseed rape predominantly relies onone fungicide application at the time of flowering, addressing the infection by ascospores. As resistant winter oilseed rape cultivars are not available at present, prophylactic fungicide sprays at full bloom have become a widely applied practice of control, although an earlier study has shown only 33% of fungicide applications to be cost-effective. The aim of this work was to develop a quantitative and yield-loss-related forecasting model enabling a field-site specific and economy-based recommendationfor the use of fungicides against Sclerotinia stem rot.