US (MI): What’s new in Botrytis control research?

The fungus Botrytis cinerea infects many greenhouse ornamentals. Recognizing Botrytis disease isn’t difficult. Common symptoms include leaf spots and blight, and stem cankers (Photo 1). Botrytis’ signature calling card includes the production of large masses of gray conidia or spores (“seeds” of the Botrytis pathogen). It is this gray conidial fuzz that gives this disease the common name of gray mold. These conidia are typically carried on air currents to nearby healthy plants where new infections can become established.

by Mary Hausbeck and Blair Harlan

An infection that starts as a small leaf spot can quickly expand into a large area of dead plant tissue. Flower petals that drop onto the leaves provide a nutrient source and an entry point for Botrytis (Photo 1). A wounded or cut stem is especially vulnerable to Botrytis attack. Stock plants become wounded when cuttings are taken and then Botrytis can infect at the wound site with disease progressing downward causing dieback. Botrytis typically becomes established and reproduces on older lower leaves that are near the moist soil surface and under the plant canopy. Botrytis can also infect and reproduce on dead plant tissue in the pot or on the greenhouse bench or floor, which can be a source of future infections.

Photo 1. Botrytis infection on ornamental crops. Left/top, spot on begonia started by a dropped flower petal. Middle, Botrytis with spores on a geranium leaf. Right/bottom, Botrytis stem and leaf infection on vinca. All photos by Mary Hausbeck, MSU.

Water on the leaf or flower surface allows the Botrytis conidia to germinate and penetrate the plant. A moist and humid environment favors Botrytis infection, and includes the wetting of plants due to dew, condensation or water dripping from overhead lines. Cuttings propagated under mist should be scouted daily for signs of Botrytis infection. Also, check if the frequency or duration of misting can be reduced and still maintain the rooting efficiency.

Minimize Botrytis at the finishing stage by watering at a time of the day when the foliage can dry rapidly. Space plants further apart and provide good air circulation to keep relative humidity as low as possible. When relative humidity reaches 85 percent or higher, the risk of a Botrytis outbreak becomes high. Reduce the relative humidity for a minimum of 24 hours immediately following the harvesting of cuttings to help dry the wounded stems and thereby limit Botrytis stem blight.

Scout for Botrytis disease by looking for the brown/gray fuzziness on lower leaves that signals the need for control measures. Sanitation is always important and reduces Botrytis and other disease problems. Remove dead leaves, flowers and plants from greenhouse benches and floors to prevent Botrytis using discarded plant material as a way to become established and spread to healthy plants.

Once the plant becomes infected with Botrytis, it becomes more difficult to limit the damage. Fungicides can be an effective tool against Botrytis in the greenhouse and there are several products to choose from. Our Michigan State University floriculture disease program carries out research trials each year on the diseases affecting floriculture crops and the products that can provide protection. Industry standards that have been proven to work and have been used by greenhouse growers for many years include Daconil WeatherStik, Decree DF and Chipco 26019. The newer biopesticide product, Affirm WDG, has proven to be effective in several of our studies.

Read more at MSU Extension