BOTRYTIS BLIGHT AND FRUIT ROT

Botrytis Blight and Fruit Rot

(Botrytis cinerea)
Symptoms: Infected twigs turn silvery and brittle. Infected flowers wilt, turn brown and develop a grey fuzzy mould on the surface. Green berries develop small, soft, purple patches. Ripe berries become soft and develop grey mould on the surface. Symptoms on flowers and berries are present all season, particularly following periods of cool rainy weather. Symptoms on twigs are present year round.
Disease cycle: The fungus overwinters on dead branch tips and debris on the ground. Spores are released in cool, wet weather and are carried by the wind. The fungus may remain latent on the berries until ripening.