Success StoryUsing Solarization to Manage Sclerotinia sp. in High Tunnels



Using Solarization to Manage Sclerotinia sp. in High Tunnels

Author: Nicole Gauthier

Planning Unit: Plant Pathology

Major Program: Plant Disease ID

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Diseases caused by the soilborne fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum can affect a wide range of plants with yield losses ranging from 10 to 50%. Sclerotinia diseases can be particularly problematic in high tunnels where high-value vegetable crops are planted in late winter for earlier harvests and higher profits. Fungicide applications and crop rotations are limited due to product availability and profitability windows. In a two-year study, soil solarization was determined to raise soil temperatures as high as 120?F in mid-summer; lethal temperatures resulted in 99% mortality of S. sclerotiorum in test plots. Though maximum temperatures in spring and fall solarization trials did not match those of summer trials, mortality reached >80% in spring and >85% in fall trials as soil temperatures reached >100?F. Management of Sclerotinia diseases can make positive impacts to the >1,500 high tunnels in Kentucky. Solarization in high tunnels is a means for low-cost, pesticide free management of S. sclerotiorum. Research results and grower recommendations are available online and at Extension events.






Stories by Nicole Gauthier


A Virtual Approach to County-Based Specialty Crops Programs

about 3 years ago by Nicole Gauthier

Kentucky farmers produce a wide range of specialty crops. In 2017, fruit and vegetable production in... Read More


Plan, Adapt, Execute: Taking a Hemp Grower Training Online

about 3 years ago by Nicole Gauthier

Industrial hemp was re-introduced to Kentucky in 2014 through the Farm Bills new pilot program. By ... Read More


Stories by Plant Pathology


Improvement of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Education for Small-Scale Specialty Crop Producers Through Extension Agent and Grower Training

about 3 years ago by Emily Pfeufer

According to the USDA – NASS State Profile of Kentucky the value of vegetable and fruit production t... Read More


Educating Tomato Growers through Virtual Methods

about 3 years ago by Emily Pfeufer

Kentucky commercial growers produce a wide range of specialty crops, such as vegetables and fruit. I... Read More