Common Diseases: Botrytis blight (Gray mold)

Biology

Water-soaked lesions appear and quickly become covered with a gray-brown mass of fungus and spores. Infection often occurs at injury sites. After initial infection, gray mold can spread into the adjacent healthy tissues. This fungus infects leaves, rhizomes, stems, flowers, and seedlings of many plants. The disease is strongly favored by mild, moist conditions and can survive on infected plant debris.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Space plants to allow good air circulation and better light penetration.
• Remove and destroy infected plant parts, if feasible. Also remove infected plant debris.
• Avoid overhead irrigation. Manage irrigation to keep foliage and stems dry.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

Properly timed fungicide applications may be necessary in some situations. Read and follow label directions and precautions making certain that the product that you purchase is registered for the target host.

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