Beyond Expectations

Botrytis and the Prevention of it

Botrytis

• Botrytis spores are always present. Infection is simply a matter of the right time, temperature water and host conditions coming together to form an environment conducive to fungal growth.
• The fungus readily enters the plant via wounds and natural openings.
• Symptoms include yellowing foliage, defoliation, brown soft areas on dark-coloured petals, or white circular spots and white to tan spots on roses.
• These spots eventually develop into the fuzzy gray mold during the reproductive state, when spores are easily released into the air.

Prevention of Botrytis

• Flower cooler temperatures should be no higher than 3 deg C, 38 deg F, or as close as possible to optimum temperature for given flower crop.
• Maintain high humidity.
• Do not allow water to remain on plant surface for very long. Keep coolers well ventilated and flower bunches loose.
• Recognising the symptoms of the disease may indicate your cooler environment is not optimum for flower longevity and the products are arriving in poor condition.
• Encourage suppliers to use chemical treatments if there is continual problem with this disease.
• Even if your flowers arrive free of disease they can be contaminated by spores from decaying material in dirty flower buckers or coolers, so always practice proper sanitation procedures.
• Be sure to rotate your inventory regularly so that no materials stay in your cool room longer than necessary

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