What practice can be utilized to manage a white mold problem in crops, aside from fungicide treatment?

Utilizing crop rotation as a management strategy for white mold problems is effective because it interrupts the life cycle of the pathogen responsible for white mold, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. By alternating crops, particularly with non-host species, you can reduce the inoculum levels in the soil and disrupt the environmental conditions that favor the growth of the pathogen. This practice not only helps in managing the disease but also improves soil health and biodiversity.

Crop rotation is particularly beneficial because certain crops are more susceptible to white mold than others. For instance, rotating out susceptible crops like soybeans or sunflowers with less susceptible crops can prevent the continuous presence of the pathogen. This variation in crop types reduces the chance of white mold's recurrence, making it a sustainable long-term strategy for disease management.

Other practices mentioned, such as increased irrigation or higher fertilizer applications, could potentially exacerbate the problem by creating conditions more favorable for pathogen development. Soil sterilization can be impractical and may harm beneficial soil microorganisms. Therefore, crop rotation stands out as an effective and environmentally friendly option for managing white mold in crop production.