Seasonal development
and life cycle—White mold
Sclerotia survive in the soil. When they are
within the top 2 to 3 cm of soil they can
germinate to form a saucer-shaped fruiting
body called an apothecium. Each apothecium
produces millions of spores, which are disseminated
by wind. Both infection and subsequent spread
of white mold are determined by temperature
and moisture. White mold is favored by cool,
moist conditions. Spores germinate on and colonize
dead or senescent tissue; senescent flowers
are frequently the source of new infections.
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Sclerotia
and mycelium on bean plant
 Fruiting
structures
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