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Decay at the terminal portion of the flowering stem of
poinsettia, due to infection by Botrytis cinerea |
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Dark blotches are bract
infections by B. cinerea |
On Monday, December 16th, we received a sample of poinsettias that for all commercial purposes had been ruined by Botrytis blight.
Botrytis cinerea is a pernicious and ubiquitous fungus that particularly infects wounded or senescent tissue such as old flowers. From this foothold it can spread to other plant parts. When the fungus sporulates, the colors of the black conidiophores (spore-bearing threads) and white conidia (spores) combine to give the appearance of a gray mold. The spores are easily carried around on air currents.
Botrytis cinerea can wreak havoc with many different host species, even causing canker on rose canes and fruit rot on plants such as strawberry. More specialized species of
Botyrtis also exist. One is
Botrytis elliptica, which affects primarily lilies.
Botrytis tulipae causes a disease called "fire" on - you guessed it - tulip.
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Closeup of conidiophores and conidia of Botrytis cinerea,
growing on cyathia (true flowers) of poinsettia. Black bar = 1mm. |
The Achilles heel of
Botrytis is its need for abundant moisture. In greenhouses, care must be taken to ventilate, even for a while after sunset, in order to keep the relative humidity down. Watching watering practices (timing, drainage) is also important. Fungicides are sometimes needed. Another essential element in
Botrytis management is prompt removal of dead plant material from the house. For more information on Botrytis in greenhouses, see our
blog from May 18, 2012.
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| Pansy bed at NCSU in early 2012. Botrytis blight. |
Be on the look out for Botrytis blight on pansies in the landscape,
especially in the late winter and early spring. To prevent problems,
avoid overhead watering if possible, and make sure the plant spacing and
surrounding shrubbery allow for good airflow. For more information on
Botrytis in the landscape, see the
May 31, 2013 blog.
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Light colored dead blotches on flowers, spreading to leaves,
are a hint that you might have Botrytis blight in your pansies. |
Just a reminder to check our
holiday closing schedule. We look forward to seeing you in 2014!
Mike Munster and Kelly Ivors
