Infection of host plants caused by mycelium growing in the soil
The surviving structures (sclerotia) of Sclerotinia rot that persist in the upper soil layer germinate and produce mycelium in the soil. This infects the plants by the roots or via the stems or leaves near the soil line. Mycelium-induced infection can occur at any time of the year and can appear just after planting a susceptible crop.

Crops, that mainly become infected due to mycelium growing in the soil:

chicory, endive, carrots, lettuce and others

Infection of host plants caused by ascospores

Sclerotia on or near the soil surface germinate to form fruiting bodies called apothecia (stalks with funnels on the end, like tiny mushrooms).

The apothecia produce and eject ascospores which are carried by the wind and settle on dead or senescent parts of plants (petals, leaves, fruits and stems) where they germinate, provided that there is sufficient moisture. The pathogen establishes itself on these plant and advances onto healthy plant tissue.

Crops, that mainly get infected by spores:

aubergine, beans, peas, cucumber, pepper (chilli, red), tomato, watermelon, lupine, petunia and others.

Regardless of the source of infection, white cottonwool-like mycelium spreads over the affected plant parts. Subsequently black sclerotial bodies develop externally on affected plant parts and internally in stem pith cavities.

The black sclerotial bodies reach the soil where they remain on the surface or become buried as a result of tilling practices, so completing the life-cycle of the fungus.

The following crops are infected by both, mycelium growing in the soil and ascospores:

chrysanthemum, celery, sunflower, tobacco and others

Contans©WG interrupts the life-cycle of Sclerotinia diseases. Its active agent Coniothyrium mintans attacks and destroys the sclerotia in the soil within two to three months.