Botrytis vulgaris

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Botrytis vulgaris, also known as grey mould, is a fungal pathogen that affects many plant species, causing significant losses in agriculture and horticulture. It is a member of the Botrytis genus, which includes several other important plant pathogens.

Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Botrytis vulgaris is characterized by its grey, fuzzy mycelium, which gives the mould its common name. The fungus produces spores that are easily spread by wind, water, and insects. It can survive in soil and plant debris, making it difficult to eradicate.

Hosts and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The fungus affects a wide range of plant species, including fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and field crops. Symptoms of infection include wilting, yellowing, and browning of leaves, as well as rotting of fruits and flowers. In severe cases, the entire plant may die.

Disease Cycle[edit | edit source]

The disease cycle of Botrytis vulgaris begins when spores land on a susceptible host. The spores germinate and penetrate the plant tissue, causing infection. The fungus then grows and spreads within the plant, eventually producing new spores that are released into the environment.

Management[edit | edit source]

Management of Botrytis vulgaris involves a combination of cultural practices, chemical control, and biological control. Cultural practices include proper sanitation, crop rotation, and the use of resistant varieties. Chemical control involves the application of fungicides, while biological control involves the use of beneficial organisms that attack the fungus.

Economic Impact[edit | edit source]

Botrytis vulgaris causes significant economic losses in agriculture and horticulture. The fungus affects many high-value crops, including grapes, strawberries, and tomatoes. In addition to crop losses, the fungus can also increase production costs due to the need for disease management.

See Also[edit | edit source]


This article is a stub.

You can help WikiMD by registering to expand it.
Editing is available only to registered and verified users.
WikiMD is a comprehensive, free health & wellness encyclopedia.

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD