Grey mould (Botrytis)

DISEASE
When it's active · UK
When it's active · Northern Italy
When it's active · Central Italy
When it's active · Southern Italy and islands

How to recognise it

Fuzzy grey-brown mould developing on dying or damaged plant tissue, flowers, or stored bulbs and tubers, spreading quickly to healthy tissue nearby.

Life cycle and conditions

Favoured by cool, damp, poorly ventilated conditions; a major risk in greenhouses, sheds and during bulb/tuber storage over winter.

Prevention

Ensure good ventilation wherever plants or stored material are kept; remove dead or damaged plant material promptly; avoid overcrowding.

How to treat it

🌿 ORGANIC · RECOMMENDED

Cut out and dispose of affected material well back into healthy tissue, and improve ventilation immediately — this is usually completely sufficient on its own.

🧪 CHEMICAL · IF YOU CHOOSE

Chemical treatment isn't needed here — improving airflow and removing affected material resolves the great majority of cases.

PLANTS MOST AFFECTED
dahliastored bulbs and tuberspeonygreenhouse plants generally