Sclerotinia stem rot: A significant agricultural problem of rapeseed-mustard crop production

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) {Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (lib.) de Bary}, is one of the serious and economical important biotic stress problem resulting up to 40% loss in rapeseed-mustard production in India and throughout the world. The Sclerotinia infection on crucifers is either myceliogenic or carpogenic. Identification of source of resistance is an important prerequisite for SSR management but only breeding for resistance is not sufficient to keep pace with growth and development of S. sclerotiorum. Variation in population genetic structure and aggressiveness of S. sclerotiorum have been reported. Resistance against S. sclerotiorum in some wild host plant has been found. Cultural methods of disease management minimize the sclerotia formation in the soil and create unfavourable conditions for growth of pathogen. Biological methods of SSR management are ecologically safe and economically viable and form important components in the integrated management of the disease