Gray Mold (Botrytis)
Risk near you, next 48h
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When it strikes
About
Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) is a ubiquitous fungus attacking soft tissue of strawberries, grapes, tomatoes and ornamentals, especially in cool, damp, poorly ventilated conditions and on greenhouse crops.
Symptoms
Fuzzy grey-brown mould on flowers, fruit and stems; soft watery rot; tan spots with concentric zoning on leaves. Spores puff out in clouds when disturbed.
Organic Treatment
Remove infected tissue and spent flowers promptly, increase ventilation, and lower humidity. Spray Bacillus subtilis or copper in persistent damp weather.
Chemical Treatment
Fenhexamid, cyprodinil + fludioxonil, or boscalid, rotating chemistries because Botrytis develops resistance quickly.
Prevention
Avoid wounding fruit, harvest promptly, ventilate, reduce humidity, and avoid overhead watering in cool weather.