Wisconsin White Mold Risk Maps – August 5, 2017
Jaime Willbur, Graduate Research Assistant, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Sclero-cast: A Soybean White Mold Prediction Model
**This tool is for guidance only and should be used with other sources of information and professional advice when determining risk of white mold development. We encourage you to read the model how-to guide which can be downloaded by clicking here**
Continued dry conditions over the past couple of weeks have helped to continue to decrease white mold risk in non-irrigated fields (Fig. 1). Some areas of high risk still exist in the southern and eastern portions of the state. However, many fields we have visited are moving to R3 and R4 growth stages. Thus, they are getting outside of the extremely critical period for infection by the white mold fungus. Some reports of symptoms of white mold are beginning to come in. I suspect we will begin to see more symptoms of disease over the next couple of weeks and will begin to get an understanding of how severe the epidemic will be this year.
Risk remains high for any soybeans planted to 15-inch rows AND irrigated (Fig. 2). This planting and management scenario is highly conducive for white mold development. We continue to find apothecia under irrigation and in 15-inch row-spacing. I would expect to see significantly higher levels of white mold in irrigated soybeans planted to 15-inch rows. Risk of white mold remained steady for soybeans planted to 30-inch rows and irrigated (Fig. 3). Risk remains high in the southwestern and western portions of Wisconsin for soybeans planted to 30-inch rows and irrigated (Fig. 3).
Forecasts indicate cool temperatures with chances of precipitation for the next week. I would expect white mold risk to hold steady. Continue to growth-stage soybeans and note that map predictions should be considered for making white mold management decisions if soybeans are flowering AND soybean canopies are nearly closed. We have visited fields all over the state and find soybeans well into the reproductive growth stages. We are quickly getting outside the window of opportunity to treat for white mold. Any remaining white mold management decisions should be made very soon. For more information on white mold and white mold management, see this previous post.
 Figure 1. Apothecial Risk for non-irrigated soybean fields (August 5, 2017) |
 Figure 2. Apothecial Risk for soybeans planted to 15″ rows, under irrigation (August 5, 2017) |
 Figure 3. Apothecial Risk for soybeans planted to 30″ rows, under irrigation (August 5, 2017) |
Map Legend: White = model is inactive and risk of apothecia in the field is likely low; Gray = apothecia might be present, but likelihood of apothecial presence is less than 5%; Blue = low risk of apothecia in the field (5 to <15% chance); Yellow = moderate risk of apothecia in the field (15 to <30% chance); Red = high risk of apothecia in the field (30% or higher chance). Model predictions must be combined with soybean growth stage and canopy characteristics to aid in timing of fungicide sprays.
These models were developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in conjunction with Michigan State University and Iowa State University to identify at-risk regions which have been experiencing weather favorable for the development of white mold fungus apothecia. Weather information and maps are provided by the Soybean Integrated Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (iPIPE), which is managed by ZedX, Inc. This model predicts when apothecia will be present in the field using combinations of 30-day averages of maximum temperature, relative humidity, and maximum wind speed. Using virtually available weather data, predictions can be made in most soybean growing regions. Based on these predictions, a map is generated under three scenarios (non-irrigated soybeans, soybeans planted on 15″ row-spacing and irrigated, or soybeans planted on 30″ row-spacing and irrigated). The maps are colored to show the likelihood of apothecial presence within a region. If the model is predicting high risk (red) in your area for your planting scenario, the soybeans are flowering, and the canopy is somewhat closed, then the white mold risk is elevated. If your fields are at-risk, we recommend to consult your local extension personnel or resources for the best in-season management options for your area For further information on how to use and interpret these risk maps, CLICK HERE to download a how-to guide.
