BOTRYTIS

Botrytis is a disease caused by a fungus that can affect many popular annuals and perennials. It reproduces quickly when temperatures are warm and humidity is high.

Detection is based on symptoms including bud blast, leaf spots and flower blight, as well as signs such as a proliferation of gray mold covering the diseased plant.

Infected plant material should be removed and disposed of. Maintaining good plant spacing for proper air circulation is an important cultural control. Humidity levels may be reduced by avoiding overhead watering.

Damage caused by botrytis may include:

	Signs: Plants are covered with gray-brown mold. (Pictured on impatiens) Photo by Chad Behrendt.
	Symptoms: Bud blast on infected spiderwort flowers. Photo by Janna Beckerman
	Symptoms: Leaf spots appear water-soaked, as on this spiderwort.   Photo by Janna Beckerman.

For more information on botrytis:


Yard and Garden Brief

Plant Disease Diagnostics
University of Minnesota, Yard and Garden Clinic
Developed (1999) and maintained by
Chad J. Behrendt, Ph.D. and Crystal M. Floyd

For plant disease questions contact the Yard and Garden Line Content Last Updated 09/07/00 View University of Minnesota Disclaimer