Potential for Transmission and Spread of Sclerotinia minor by Infected Peanut Seed and Debris. D. F. Wadsworth, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078. H. A. Melouk, USDA, ARS, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078. Plant Dis. 69:379-381. Accepted for publication 31 October 1984. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1985. DOI: 10.1094/PD-69-379.

Peanut samples were collected from plots of peanut cultivar Florunner with nearly 100% incidence of Sclerotinia blight caused by Sclerotinia minor. Three methods of harvesting and handling were compared for seed infection and debris contamination by S. minor. Seed processed by hand and by hand and machine showed infection levels of 25.4 and 8.9%, respectively. Significantly more seed infection was detected in damaged pods than in undamaged pods. Seed processed by machines showed 1.4% infection; however, seed from combine-culled pods showed 22.7% infection. In culture, infected seed frequently developed into masses of sclerotia, and in some cases, sclerotia were found between the cotyledons of decomposing seed. Infected seed lots planted in the greenhouse and in the field did not show infection with S. minor.