Epidemiology of <i>Botrytis cinerea</i> in boysenberry (<i>Rubus</i> spp.)

Abstract

Potential sources of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) were identified in two Nelson boysenberry (Rubus hybrid) gardens in 1993/94 and 1994/ 95. More data collection in 1996/97 confirmed and quantified inoculum sources in a Nelson and Hawkes Bay boysenberry garden. Important Botrytis inoculum sources were litter on the ground, desiccated primocanes and receptacles left after fruit were harvested. Minor Botrytis inoculum sources were dibs, leaves and dead canes at the plant base. Both spore trapping results (1993-95) and berry washings (1996/97) found that Botrytis inoculum peaked at harvest. A strong correlation between fruit surface contamination and latent berry infection was observed. Management strategies to reduce Botrytis levels are discussed.