Botrytis

Botrytis is a genus of anamorphic fungi in the family Sclerotiniaceae. The genus is known for its species that cause plant diseases, the most notable of which is Botrytis cinerea, which is responsible for the condition known as Botrytis bunch rot in vineyards. Other species, such as Botrytis fabae, cause diseases in other crops.

Taxonomy

The genus Botrytis was first described by the German mycologist Christiaan Hendrik Persoon in 1794. The name is derived from the Greek word botrys, meaning "grape", due to the genus's association with grape diseases.

Description

Species of Botrytis are characterized by their production of conidiophores, which are specialized fungal structures that produce conidia, or asexual spores. These conidiophores are typically branched and have a distinctive "grape-like" appearance, which is the origin of the genus's name.

Pathogenicity

Botrytis species are known for their ability to infect a wide range of plant hosts, causing diseases such as Botrytis bunch rot, Botrytis leaf spot, and Botrytis blight. These diseases can result in significant crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.

Control

Control of Botrytis diseases typically involves a combination of cultural practices, such as proper sanitation and crop rotation, and the use of fungicides. Biological control agents, such as certain species of Trichoderma, are also used in some cases.

See also

• List of Botrytis species
• Plant pathology
• Fungicide