Scientific name
Botrytis cinerea
Common Names
Grey Mould, Botrytis Blight
Grey Mould is a common fungal disease affecting a wide range of ornamental plants, vegetables, fruit crops and nursery stock throughout Australia. It develops during cool, humid conditions where air circulation is poor and foliage remains wet for extended periods. The disease initially appears as brown, water-soaked lesions on leaves, flowers, stems or fruit before producing a distinctive fuzzy grey mould. Infected plant tissue rapidly deteriorates, reducing plant health and aesthetic quality.
Similar Diseases
- Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe spp.)
- Downy Mildew (Peronospora spp.)
- Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.)
- Sclerotinia Rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum)
SCENARIOS AND SOLUTIONS
At the first signs of grey, fuzzy mould on leaves or flowers: Apply ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide to suppress disease and protect healthy plant tissue.
In nurseries and ornamental gardens during cool, humid weather: Apply Azo-Force 250SC Fungicide preventatively before prolonged periods of leaf wetness.
On high-value ornamentals with recurring Botrytis outbreaks: Rotate ProForce Voltar 500SC Fungicide with ProForce Tombstone Duo Fungicide to support resistance management.
In dense plantings with poor airflow: Remove infected plant material, improve ventilation, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply Azo-Force 250SC Fungicide as part of an integrated disease management program.
References
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/plant-diseases/botrytis-grey-mould
