Botrytis rot (gray mold)
Botrytis cinerea
What is Botrytis rot (Botrytis cinerea)?
Botrytis cinerea is a fungal pathogen that causes Botrytis rot or gray mold. It is widely distributed and affects a variety of plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Symptoms include the formation of gray, velvety mats of sporulating tissues on infected plant parts. It can lead to the death of twigs, increased fruit drop, and injuries to developing fruits. Infected fruits may exhibit ridges and decay during postharvest storage.
How does Botrytis rot (Botrytis cinerea) occur?
Botrytis blight survives winter on plants and in the soil, including sclerotia. Spores develop and are dispersed by wind or water onto blossoms or young leaves in favorable conditions. Germination happens with cool temperatures and high humidity. It enters plants through wounds but rarely penetrates healthy tissue directly. Decaying plant material and dense plant populations contribute to its spread. The fungus feeds on plants, causing gray mold and decay known as Botrytis rot.
Symptoms
1 - Impact on plant health
Severe Botrytis cinerea infections can weaken and stress plants, making them more susceptible to secondary infections or other environmental stressors.
2 - Soil Health
Botrytis cinerea-infected plant material, such as decaying leaves or fruits, can accumulate on the soil surface. This organic matter contributes to soil nutrient cycling and can potentially impact soil microbial communities.
3 - Fungus survival
The fungus can produce resting structures called sclerotia, which can persist in the soil for extended periods. These sclerotia serve as a source of inoculum for future infections.
4 - Disease suppression
In some cases, Botrytis cinerea infection can lead to the release of antifungal compounds that may inhibit the growth of other soil-borne pathogens, potentially offering some level of disease suppression in the soil environment.
5 - Impact on Environment
The fungus produces abundant airborne spores, which can be dispersed by wind or water. This enables the spread of Botrytis cinerea to new plants and areas, impacting the local environment and neighboring plants.
Solutions
3 - Watering Techniques and Plant varieties
• Choose plant varieties with resistance or tolerance to Botrytis cinerea if available. • Avoid overwatering plants, especially during periods of high humidity. Use drip irrigation or water at the base of plants to keep foliage dry and minimize leaf wetness, which creates favorable conditions for fungal growth.
4 - Monitoring and Good Sanitation
Regularly inspect plants for infection and take prompt action to prevent spread. Clear away dead or decaying plant debris from the soil surface to prevent the buildup of fungal spores.
5 - Fertilization and Plant Health
Maintain optimal plant nutrition and avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, as high nitrogen levels can make plants more susceptible to Botrytis cinerea. Healthy plants are better equipped to resist and recover from fungal infections.
6 - Sunlight exposure
Ensure plants receive sufficient sunlight and avoid shading to create an environment that is less favorable for Botrytis cinerea development
7 - Chemical control
• Fungicides commonly used for controlling Botrytis cinerea include cyprodinil/fludioxonil (e.g., Switch), pyraclostrobin/fluxapyroxad (e.g., Merivon), pyraclostrobin/boscalid (e.g., Pristine), penthiopyrad (e.g., Fontelis), isofetamid (e.g., Kenja), fenhexamid (e.g., Elevate), iprodione (e.g., Rovral), and thiophanate-methyl (e.g., Topsin M). • These fungicides should be applied according to label instructions, and it is important to rotate different modes of action to reduce the risk of resistance.
Susceptible Species
Marina Strawberry Tree
Pacific Madrone*
Strawberry Tree
hybrid strawberry tree
strawberry tree
cardoon
artichoke
strawberry foxglove
strawberry bush
strawberry
junebearing strawberry
junebearing strawberry
everbearing strawberry
strawberry
strawberry
strawberry
everbearing strawberry
strawberry
strawberry
wild strawberry
everbearing strawberry
junebearing strawberry
everbearing strawberry
wild strawberry
woodland strawberry
scarlet strawberry
Jerusalem artichoke
lettuce
lettuce
lettuce
water lettuce
yellow strawberry guava
strawberry geranium
lamb's lettuce
barren strawberry
barren strawberry
piedmont barren strawberry
Strawberry Leaf Raspberry
garden strawberry
coastal strawberry
wall lettuce
Strawberry Ground-Cherry
Strawberry-Blite
Strawberry-Blite
Strawberry Firetails
Grecian strawberry tree
Strawberry Tree
Strawberry Tree
Strawberry Ice Bravaisia
Himalayan Strawberry tree
Artichoke
Strawberry Snowball Tree
Indian Strawberry
Strawberry Cream
Strawberry
Taffeta Plant
Blue Strawberry Flowers
Strawberry tree
Lettuce tree
Water Bonnets
Balloon Berry
Strawberry Begonia
Naupaka kahakai
Chilean Guava
Artichoke Agave
FAQ
Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?
Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.
How often should you water indoor plants?
Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.
Can my monstera plant get root rot?
Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.
Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?
No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.
What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?
If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.
Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?
Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.
Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?
Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.
Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?
No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.
