Detection of ascospore release of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum with real time PCR: an important tool in understanding disease development in winter OSR

Abstract: Sclerotinia stem rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, has turned into a major disease of winter oilseed rape (OSR) in Sweden. Detecting DNA from leaf samples and from daily air samples along with field assessments has given an increased knowledge of disease development.