Botrytis Petal Blight
Botrytis cinerea
137 host plants
Last updated
Botrytis petal blight causes flowers to brown and decay on ornamental plants and some fruit crops. You notice brown spots on petals that spread rapidly in cool, wet weather conditions. The disease affects flowering quality and crop production significantly. Remove infected flowers and improve air circulation. Avoid overhead irrigation during bloom periods.
Select disease-free cuttings. Reduce humidity by increasing air circulation, temperature, and plant spacing.
Quick Reference
Management
During flowering in cool, wet springs and early summer; year-round in unheated plastic houses with canopy moisture.
Cool, wet weather during bloom period; high humidity; extended leaf and petal wetness; mechanical damage or environmental stress that weakens flower tissue.
Cultural Controls
- Select disease-free cuttings.
- Reduce humidity by increasing air circulation, temperature, and plant spacing.
- Remove fading flowers and yellowing leaves.
- Place diseased debris in a closed container if not immediately removed from the house.