![]() Inspect the growing area for conditions favorable to botrytis. If conditions are proper, Botrytis spores can quickly spread from the lesions it makes. The best form of control for botrytis is prevention, which involves sanitation, air circulation and careful watering. In severe infections, the spots can coalesce, and gray, webbed fungal growth (mycelium) may become visible. Those spots may increase in size and number as the infection progresses, and may be surrounded by a pale pink margin. Symptomsīotrytis manifests as small, brown necrotic spots on orchid flowers. The fungus can proliferate very quickly, infecting healthy plant tissue in as little as 14 hours. Temperatures in the mid 60's to low 70's F (18–23 C), and wet plant surfaces or ambient humidity of at least 92 percent, are ideal conditions. Spores can be distributed by wind, rain or any mechanical action. Damp conditions, rapidly rising humidity or disturbing infected plants may release spores into the surrounding growing area. The fungus winters primarily on dead and dying plant material, and begins producing and dispersing spores during cool, damp weather in the spring or autumn. The fungus is prevalent during cool, damp spells of winter. It is a shame to wait all year for flowers and then have them ruined by Botryris. Older flowers are highly susceptible to infection. ![]() The fungus most often affects Phalaenopsis and Cattleyas, but may be found in a wide range of orchid genera. On orchids, the disease, caused by Botrytis cinerea, causes unsightly brown spotting of blooms. By Susan Jones Take Precautions Now To Prevent This Fungus from Marring Winter FlowersĪ fungal disease affecting many different types of herbaceous and woody plants, botrytis strikes during cool, damp weather in areas where air circulation is poor.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |