Low plant populations are being observed in some dry bean fields in southern Manitoba, which could translate into lower disease risk.
Kristen Podolsky, production specialist with the Manitoba Pulse Growers Association, says there are several factors growers should consider when spraying fungicides on dry beans.
"We need an inch to two inches of rain before the bloom period to keep the soil saturated for the sclerotia in the soil to germinate, and we also need canopy wetness during the bloom period for the infection to occur," she explains. "So if we have rain and moderate temperatures, that's going to increase our risk."
At the same time, row spacing and plant density also impact the prevalence of white mold.
"Narrow rows will generally be at more risk than wide rows," says Podolsky. "The interesting thing this year is that we're seeing lower plant populations in some cases and slower canopy closure, so we can get more air movement through the canopy and reduce the risk of white mold infection."
She says dry beans vary are from the V-6 to R-2 (50% flower with first sign of pin beans) stages.
According to seeded acreage reports for crop insurance, a projected 146 thousand acres of dry beans were planted in Manitoba this year - an increase of 55 percent versus 2013 acres.
Source: SteinbachOnline