Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
How does it damage californian thistle?
White soft rot causes water-soaked brown or black lesions, usually near the bases of the thistle stems, which turn yellow and wilt and can be easily dislodged. However, it is rare to see large outbreaks of this disease on Californian thistle.
Image: lesions on the base of a Californian thistle stem.
Image: Californian thistle white soft rot damage.
Does it attack other plants?
This common fungus attacks lots of plants including Californian thistle.
