How to Detect and Prevent Botrytis

Botrytis is a fungal disease that assaults flower heads, leaves and stems. Symptoms include a squishy, black flower center, brownish-black leaves and stems, and rapid spreading of abnormal color.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spray Bottles
• Fan Rake
• Horticultural Oils
• Baking Soda
• Baking Soda

1. Place plants that are susceptible to botrytis blight in protected areas with good air circulation. Space plants far enough apart that there's plenty of air circulation between them.

2. Avoid overhead irrigation. Move or cap sprinklers that spray directly onto botrytis-prone plants. Move the plant if the irrigation system is in the ground and waters a nearby lawn area.

3. Remove and destroy foliage and flowers that are damaged by botrytis. Don't compost them.

4. Keep the area under the plant raked and free from fallen debris.

5. Remove infected plants.

6. Avoid planting annuals under susceptible plants such as roses and geraniums.

7. Make an organic fungicide of 1 tsp. baking soda and 1/4 tsp. horticultural oil mixed in 1 qt. warm water. Spray frequently on suspected botrytis victims.

Tips & Warnings

• Rose, dahlia, blueberry, gladiolus, tulip and marigold are common plants prone to botrytis blight.
• Always use the least toxic method of control as your first step.
• Rain, fog, mist and humidity help the fungus grow. If you live in an area with cool summers, stick with plants that are not susceptible to botrytis blight.
• Spray with fungicides only as a last resort. Fungicides are among the most toxic chemicals in the gardener's pest control arsenal.