Sclerotinia Drop Symptoms on Lettuce

Sclerotinia Drop (fungus - Sclerotinia sclerotiorum: The cause is a soilborne fungus that infects the stem of lettuce at or near ground level. Lower leaves wilt and collapse, the entire plant wilts and dies. Later, a soft, watery, brown rot occurs. A white, cottony growth of the fungus may be found on the surface of leaves and stems [Photo]. Hard, black resting bodies called sclerotia, can be found in the cottony growth. The fungus is soilborne and can remain in the field for several years. Avoid planting in infested fields.