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Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Seasonal development and life cycle—Botrytis leafspot

Botrytis cinerea spores land on leaf surfaces and, in the presence of moisture, germinate and produce enzymes that kill leaf tissue and provide an entry point for the fungus. The fungus damages the leaf by causing leaf spotting. Leaf surfaces must be wet by dew or rain for long periods (20 hours or more) for leafspot to develop. Optimum temperature for germination of spores is 59° F; optimum temperature for mycelial growth is between about 73° and 77° F.

Spore produced enzymes kill leaf tissue
Spore produced enzymes kill leaf tissue

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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