Zinnia Problem

Chatham County, September 2003

Diagnosis: Botrytis Blight (Botrytis cinerea)

Description and Biology of Botrytis Blight

The excessive rains of this summer have contributed to problems with Botrytis blight. The best way to manage Botrytis blight is by regular inspection and sanitation. Remove infected plant parts and place them in a bag so that they may be discarded with the trash or burned. Try not to do any sanitation when plants are wet with dew or rain since this could spread the disease. Wider plant spacing can increase air circulation and promote rapid drying of plants.

Place your mouse over each photo to read the caption.

diseased bud 
close-up of flower blight
diseased bud
close-up of silver-gray Botrytis spores
diseased bud
diseased stem
diseased stem

This page last updated January 16, 2006.