Diseases: Birdsfoot Trefoil
Part 2, Section 6: Forages Pest Management
Forages Pest Management
DISEASES
Birdsfoot trefoil
Crown and root rots caused by fungi such as Fusarium sp., Rhizoctonia sp., and Mycoleptodiscus sp. severely damage birdsfoot trefoil, particularly in southeastern Pennsylvania. Economic production with varieties susceptible to these fungi is questionable in this region.
Fusarium wilt has been reported in Pennsylvania and may cause economic losses in birdsfoot trefoil in the northern parts of the state.
Stemphylium leaf spot and stem canker may become severe in warm humid environments. Symptoms include of reddish-brown lesions on the leaflet and cankers on the stems. If the crop is close to harvest maturity, early cutting should aid in leaf retention (maintaining higher quality forage) and in reducing inoculum in the field.
Following good management practices that minimize stress on the plant and that promote vigorous growth can reduce losses caused by these diseases.
