How To Identify and Control Bud Rot or Gray Mold Botrytis cinerea on Cannabis Plants

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 03:07:49 +0000

How To Identify and Control Bud Rot or Gray Mold (Botrytis cinerea) on Cannabis Plants
Professor DeBacco

Bud Rot (Botrytis) Identification
Gray mold develops primarily in dense portions of the plant such as the flower buds and is favored by high humidity.
The gray moldy growth seen are masses of mycelia (fungal strands) and clusters of conidia (asexual spores that are produced in large numbers).
If it starts internally to the bud this can be a very unwelcomed surprise at the end of the season harvest.

Bud Rot (Botrytis) Life Cycle
Botrytis cinerea disease cycle in strawberry.
Sources of B. cinerea inoculum include infected leaves and sclerotia.
Primary infections of flowers and secondary infections of fruit are depicted.

Bud Rot (Botrytis) Management
High humidity (90%+) for 12hr.+ is very favorable for Botrytis development
Physical damage can also increase odds of Botrytis getting an initial start.
Remove all trimmings and pruned plant material
If identified in an area remove infected plant material and then apply a control product.
*Since this is commonly seen late in the growing season be aware of potential residuals and current local regulations.
Also, once identified you may want to harvest sooner rather than later to ensure you get some clean plant material.

Link to Lecture Slides: https://drive.google.com/file/....d/1lmkAXpf4S9vm7gRvx

*Due to the description character limit the full work cited for "How To Identify and Control Bud Rot or Gray Mold Botrytis cinerea on Cannabis Plants" can be viewed at... https://drive.google.com/file/....d/1ApznFb1Bvo2-PoRQ1