May 26, 2021

How to identify white mold in tomato production

White mold, or timber rot, is caused by the soil-borne fungal pathogen, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The photo on right shows a high tunnel tomato plant with main stem infected by white mold. Over time the entire plant will slowly collapse looking similar to a wilt or root rot pathogen as the water supply is cut off to the plant.

White mold is common and once introduced into a field or high tunnel it can very difficult to control. The pathogen produces black sclerotia on the surface and inside infected stems. Sclerotia, if they make their way back into the soil, can survive for years causing significant problems.

Infected stems will turn a light brown color and dry up becoming brittle. If the main stem is infected the entire plant will collapse looking like a wilt or root rot issue. Under hot, humid conditions white fungal growth will develop on the surface of the stems and in some cases sclerotia will develop on the outside of the stem. Breaking open the stem will reveal numerous black sclerotia.

All infected plants and or plant material need to be removed immediately and disposed of properly. Preventative protectant fungicide programs beginning at flowering will help control white mold. Cool, wet weather and poor air circulation favor disease development. There are a number of control options for conventional and organic growers listed in Table E-11 in the 2020/2021 mid-Atlantic Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations Guide.