| Gray mold (GM) caused by Botrytis cinerea is a major disease of grapes (Vitis vinifera) that substantially reduces the yield and quality of grape production in temperate and humid regions of the world. B. cinerea is a necrotrophic fungus that attacks the non-lignified aerial organs of grapes; in particular, berries are highly susceptible during ripening. The polycyclic nature and exponential progress exhibited by GM at the beginning of the its epidemic, as well as the abundant inoculum production, the high dissemination efficiency, the wide host range and the high genetic variability of B. cinerea, explain the difficulties encountered in attempting to control GM. At present, integrated disease management, including cultural and chemical control, is the... |
