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| Grey Mould |
Grey mould is a form of botrytis that affects the flowers and foliage of many cultivated plants.
Normally there are two distinct symptoms, one affecting the flowers the other affecting the flower stems.
It appears it causes small spots on flowers, and a grey fuzzy mould on the flower stems and petioles, often near the base, this can cause the stem/s to collapse.
In humid conditions the grey fuzzy growth produces airborne spores that land on and infects live plant tissue, particularly if it is damaged or delicate.
The fungus thrives on dead plant material, forming black, tough resting structures called sclerotia in the dead tissue.
Spore numbers can be reduced by removing and destroying all dead plant material.
Reducing the humidity around plants can also help to keep the numbers down.
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