Gray mold of sunflower (Botrytis cinerea) – identify and control
Published on: February 27, 2022 Modified on: 25 April 2024
Gray mold of sunflower, Botrytis cinerea, is also known as the Botrytis head rot of sunflower. However, the fungus also attacks many other crops or ornamental plants, vegetables, fodder plants, etc. In years with high rainfall in autumn, the disease causes severe damage.
Symptoms. Gray mold of sunflower parasitizes only the flower head starting with the lower part. There, it produces brown spots that can be confused with those caused by the sclerotia disease but are more clearly defined. Next to the spots, on the soft and rotten tissues, a greyish puff appears. The disease can cover the entire head and even on the surface of the seeds a greyish-greenish color appears, and small black sclerotia appear between the seeds. The seeds have a stained surface, without the characteristic luster and easily fall out from their rooms. The seed core is bitter, and the seeds partially lose their germination capacity.
The spreading of the fungus from one plant to another is ensured by spores that are easily taken by wind, insects, or raindrops and can germinate immediately, forming an infectious mycelium that penetrates through the tissues it has reached.
From one year to another the fungus survives in the soil in the form of spores or as small sclerotia. The fungus can be brought into a new crop with infected seeds or who have spores on their surface.
Prevention and control. Strict adherence to all the steps provided in the sunflower cultivation technology can prevent the attack of the fungus. Treating the seeds with systemic fungicides, which is mandatory for other fungi, is also effective for this fungus.
Specific fungicides are applied for prevention and control.
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