Map of the week

Yep, 5 maps of the week this week. Overkill? Maybe, but they work together to demonstrate the sclerotinia stem rot risk at this stage of the season.

Two years ago, sclerotinia stem rot was widespread and fungicide paid off for most growers who applied it. Last year, drier conditions — in general — before, during and after flowering reduced the risk. This year is shaping up more like 2012 than 2013, as the maps show. High moisture levels mean lots opportunity for apothecia to develop and produce inoculum. The last key to the puzzle will be if conditions remain moist or humid through flowering and into podding, which will favour costly levels of infection.