Field Choice & Rotation Management
Choose fields for pea and lentil carefully—review frequency, past performance, weather, field conditions, and levels with compaction.
While crop rotation can not significantly reduce Rhizoctonia infections due to the broad host range, if rotation is lengthened from 5–8 years between hosts, soil microbes can suppress the activity of Rhizoctonia. The risk of Rhizoctonia infection is most significant in the first few years following a host crop infection, particularly in reduced tillage or no-till cropping systems where crop stubble persists and can act as a host for sclerotia. Crop rotations that have five or more years between host crops can aid in reducing Rhizoctonia inoculum.
Consider the following in determining the length of time to avoid planting pea or lentil:
- What was the result of the soil tests?
- What was the past planting frequency of the susceptible pulse crops (pea/lentil) in each field?
- What moisture levels were the last time a pea or lentil crop was planted (dry, average, or wet conditions)?
Visit Agronomy to learn more
Seed Treatments
Many seed treatment products are registered for controlling early-season seedling infections of Rhizoctonia in peas and lentils. Seed treatment is recommended for suppressing and controlling all root rot complex pathogens, not just Rhizoctonia.
Seed treatments help reduce early-season stresses and protect the developing seedlings as a preventive measure. This is especially beneficial when emergence may be delayed under cool, wet conditions.
Fungicidal effects will only last two to three weeks against early season disease pressure. No current products can be protected throughout the growing season.
Resources
Current resources focus on something other than Rhizoctonia; however, the following resources provide general guidance on root rot pathogens.
Reducing Root Rot Risk | Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Testing for Aphanomyces and Other Root Rot Pathogens | Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
