Botryotinia fuckeliana

Botryotinia fuckeliana, also known as Botrytis cinerea, is a necrotrophic fungus that affects many plant species, although its most notable hosts may be wine grapes. In viticulture, it is commonly known as botrytis bunch rot; in horticulture, it is usually called grey mould or gray mold.

Taxonomy

The name Botryotinia fuckeliana is used when referring to the sexual stage of the fungus. The more commonly used name, Botrytis cinerea, refers to the asexual stage. It is a member of the fungus kingdom, in the phylum Ascomycota, which includes the large group of fungi that typically have a spore-bearing layer, or hymenium, in a specific kind of fruiting body, or ascocarp.

Biology

The fungus is characterized by abundant grey conidia (asexual spores) borne on grey, branching tree-like conidiophores. The fungus also produces highly resistant sclerotia as survival structures in older cultures. It overwinters as sclerotia or intact mycelia, both of which germinate in spring to produce conidiophores.

Pathogenicity

The fungus is a very destructive plant pathogen, causing a soft rot of fruits and vegetables. It is responsible for the disease known as Botrytis bunch rot in grapes, grey mould in strawberries, tomatoes, and lettuce, and fire blight in apples and pears.

Control

Control of the fungus can be achieved by chemical fungicide treatments, biological control agents (BCAs), or by careful management of the growing environment.

Economic Importance

The economic importance of Botryotinia fuckeliana is considerable, as it can cause significant yield loss in a wide range of crops. In viticulture, it is viewed as a double-edged sword, as the infection can lead to noble rot in some types of wine grape, which is desirable, but can also cause destructive grey mould in others.

See Also

• Botrytis bunch rot
• Grey mould
• Fire blight
• Fungicide
• Biological control agent

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