ARS | Publication request: EFFICACY OF CALCIUM CHLORIDE AS AN ALTERNATIVE CONTROL FOR BOTRYTIS CINEREA ON BEGONIA IN THE GREENHOUSE

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 30, 1996
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The efficacy of calcium chloride in controlling Botrytis cinerea on fibrous-rooted begonia transplants grown under normal greenhouse conditions was investigated. Begonias were inoculated with 2.7x10**5 conidia/ml water. The disease was allowed to develop for 8 days before treatments of various levels of calcium chloride were applied. Plants either untreated or treated with Daconil, a standard gray mold treatment, served as controls. Disease severity and phytotoxicity were monitored at 3 day intervals for 3 wks after treatment. Visible residues were not observed on the plants treated with calcium chloride. Disease was suppressed for 2 wks following application. The number of marketable plants was higher than when left untreated. Electron beam analysis revealed ultrastructural effects of calcium chloride on B. cinerea.