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Fungicide choice, cultural practices critical for Botrytis control
Few nursery and greenhouse diseases are as prevalent, persistent or potentially costly as Botrytis. The dreaded gray mold, leaf spots, rots and wilting of common ornamentals like geranium and poinsettias make Botrytis a frustrating challenge. The good news? Its impact can be greatly reduced with sound cultural practices, consistent scouting and smart fungicide selection.
Sound cultural practices = less disease pressure
Botrytis thrives under the same conditions often found in greenhouses: high humidity, low airflow and extended leaf wetness. To reduce risk, focus on plant dryness and air movement.
- Time overhead irrigation early enough for foliage to dry before humidity rises.
- Avoid creating standing water, which contributes to elevated humidity.
- Improve airflow whenever possible.
- Remove dead or diseased plant material promptly to eliminate sources of inoculum.
Scout for signs of disease
Regular scouting is essential no matter what crops you grow. During periods of high disease pressure, increase scouting frequency and tailor your plan with guidance from your agronomist or consultant. Know what to look for: Botrytis often appears as gray mold or brown/gray lesions — and it can affect leaves, stems and flowers, so check the entire plant.
Choose the right fungicides for the job
Once Botrytis appears, timing is critical. Having fast-acting fungicides on hand is key to preventing spread. Products such as Floxcor™ fungicide and Eagle® 20EW fungicide offer strong protection when used in a rotation.
Floxcor is absorbed quickly and moves farther within plant tissue than many other strobilurin fungicides, providing fast action against Botrytis, cercospora leaf spot, powdery mildew and several other ornamental and turf diseases. Eagle 20EW delivers up to 28 days of protection against black spot, powdery mildew, scab and more. Used in rotation, the two products offer broad-spectrum control and help reduce the risk of fungicide resistance thanks to their different modes of action.
Protect your plants — and your spring payday
A comprehensive disease management plan supported by sound cultural practices, proactive scouting and careful fungicide rotation can help keep ornamentals healthy, vigorous and ready for market.
To learn more about how Corteva Agriscience Turf & Ornamental products can prevent costly disease problems in your greenhouse or nursery, sign up for updates here.
Floxcor™ is not for sale or use in Nassau and Suffolk counties, New York. Other state restrictions on the sale and use of Floxcor apply. State restrictions on the sale and use of Eagle® 20EW apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. Always read and follow label directions.
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