Botrytis blight is a fungal disease also known as gray mold that infects a wide range of plants. It might cause huge loses on ornamental plants and vegetables. This fungal disease is caused by several species in the genus Botrytis. It affects buds, flowers and leaves of many plants. The extent and severity depends on weather conditions and cultural practices. Botrytis disease is the primary cause of decay in cut flowers.
Cool, humid and wet weather conditions favors the growth of Botrytis blight on roses and other crops. The disease spreads quickly through farms during favorable conditions. Affected parts may be covered with a gray mold. On rose petals, the disease is observed as small brown flecks. At the base of infected flowers, sunken, grayish-black spots/lesions may be observed on the stems and the lesions may continue down the plant. Gray mold may also be found near the soil surface or in the densest areas of the plant canopy. The mold develops on wilted flowers, spreading to other parts of the plant. The disease may also occur in storage areas causing rotting of harvested fruits and vegetables. Most times the infection may be insignificant when cutting and packing flowers/vegetables, however, moist conditions that occur during transport and storage may favor disease development.
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