In this section:
Botrytis Bunch Rot
Bunch rot caused by Botrytis cinerea is a serious disease of grapes particularly in areas where wet weather occurs between veraison and harvest.
-
Botrytis Fungicides - More Research Needed on Spray Timing (2004) (PDF)
-
Controlling Botrytis - a perspective from the Eastern USA (2002)
Improving Fungicide Control of Botrytis Bunch Rot
GWRDC final report, June 2002. (PDF). Contact: Dr Trevor Wicks
Botrytis bunch rot is a serious disease of grapes, particularly in the cool climate areas where complete crop losses have occurred in recent years. The aim of this project was to critically evaluate KMS for the control of Botrytis bunch rot within a few weeks from harvest.
Laboratory studies showed that 3 g/L KMS inhibited the germination of Botrytis spores and that the effect was greater when the spores were incubated in grape juice. Volatiles emanating from suspensions of KMS inhibited germ tube elongation but not spore germination. Experiments using single inoculated berries showed that KMS inhibits the development of Botrytis when applied up to 48 hours after inoculation. However both laboratory and field studies showed that KMS had little effect on sporulation from berries infected more than 48 hours previously. Applications of 4 g/L KMS on one or two occasions at various times between veraison and harvest did not inhibit sporulation from infected berries. Further work needs to done to evaluate KMS and other fungicides for use just before harvest.
