CONTROL OF APOTHECIAL PRODUCTION OF SCLEROTINIA-SCLEROTIORUM BY CONIOTHYRIUM-MINITANS AND TALAROMYCES-FLAVUS

In seven field experiments conducted in Alberta from 1984 to 1987, the application of Coniothyrium minitans to soil at seeding time reduced apothecial production of sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum under t he canopies of bean, canola, wheat, and barley. Application of Talarom yces flavus was ineffective, and combinations of T. flavus and C. mini tans were as effective or less effective than C. minitans alone, indic ating that no synergism occurred between these hyperparasites. Applica tion of C. minitans to soil in the spring reduced apothecial productio n from sclerotia of S. sclerotiorum buried in the soil, and increased parasitism on sclerotia produced on diseased bean plants.