SNOW MOULD

Importance
Snow mould caused by Microdochium nivale is a common disease of winter rye in moderate and cold climatic areas. Extended duration of snow cover and unfavourable temperature conditions support the development of this disease and may result in reduced winter survival rates. Snow mould severity has reached 60–70 % in Russia in epidemic years.

Main symptoms
A cotton-like growth (mycellium) is present and may appear slimy on living or dead plants.

Genetic Disease Prevention
Although challenging, the genetic analysis of resistance to snow mould in rye led to the identification of significant genotypic variation for snow mold rating. The cultivation of resistant cultivars contributes to a sustainable agriculture.


This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 771134. The project RYE-SUS was carried out under the ERA-NET Cofund SusCrop (Grant N°771134), being part of the Joint Programming Initiative on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change (FACCE-JPI).