ARS | Publication request: Suppression of Botrytis Gray Mold in Hiemalis Begonia with Potting Mix Amendments

Submitted to: Resource
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: December 6, 2005
Publication Date: December 15, 2005
Repository URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10113/1312
Citation: Locke, J.C., Horst, L., Krause, C.R. 2005. Suppression of Botrytis Gray Mold in Hiemalis Begonia with Potting Mix Amendments. Resource. 1(1):6-7.

Technical Abstract: Botrytis gray mold, arguably the most prevalent disease of hiemalis begonia in the greenhouse, causes lesions on flowers, leaves and stems throughout the cropping cycle. Traditional control recommendations rely heavily on cultural practices and the regular application of fungicides. Since Botrytis readily develops resistance to these fungicides, it is desirable to develop new control methods. Incorporation of Trichoderma hamatum 382 into the growing medium prior to planting significantly reduced the severity of gray mold while increasing plant dry weight. The effect was slightly better than treatment with a standard fungicide. This research offers hope that alternative strategies to fungicide application can be developed to provide growers with another tool to combat foliar diseases such as gray mold.