Potential of glufosinate to reduce carpogenic germination of sclerotia and white mold symptoms on soybeans resistant to this herbicide

ABSTRACT White mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a major challenge in soybean production due to its persistent survival structures and limited chemical control options. This study evaluated the effect of glufosinate-ammonium on the carpogenic germination of S. sclerotiorum sclerotia in vitro and on white mold development in herbicide-tolerant soybean plants grown in a greenhouse. The application of commercial doses of glufosinate significantly reduced carpogenic germination, with 97% of treated sclerotia failing to produce stipes. In glufosinate-tolerant soybean cultivars (Enlist and Conkesta), herbicide application reduced lesion size on stems when applied at the R1 stage (39% control) and decreased white mold severity on leaves when applied at the V4 stage (83% control). These results suggested that glufosinate-ammonium has the potential to suppress both primary inoculum and disease development, offering a novel approach to integrated white mold management. Field validation is recommended to optimize application timing and assess its effectiveness under commercial production conditions.