Manage Botrytis cinerea in Cyclamen persicum

Botrytis cinerea, also known as grey mold, is the most common and damaging fungal disease in Cyclamen persicum. This fungus spreads quickly in high humid conditions. It harms flowers, leaves and corms. Especially in autumn and winter. Prevention through strict hygiene and timely use of biological control remains an effective strategy. In this article you can read how to recognize, prevent and control Botrytis in Cyclamen.

Botrytis in Cyclamen persicum

Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungus that feeds on weakened or aging tissues of Cyclamen persicum. Infected flowers and leaves quickly become sources of secondary spread. The disease is especially aggressive under humid conditions. Cool temperatures, poor ventilation or excess moisture from irrigation trigger outbreaks.

Botrytis spreads mainly through airborne spores and contaminated surfaces. This means greenhouse hygiene, environmental management and regular scouting are important to control Botrytis. Botrytis thrives in humidity above 85% and temperatures between 15–22°C (59–72°F).

How to recognize Botrytis cinerea symptoms

Foliar and floral symptoms

Water-soaked spots on leaves, petals or flowers
Grey, fuzzy mold often grows on old plant tissue under large leaves or inside the plant canopy.
Rapid browning and collapse of flowers or buds.

Corm and crown symptoms

Soft rot or decay at the base of petioles or crown.
Browning or collapse at the crown in advanced infections.
Infected plants may show slimy or foul-smelling corms under wet conditions.

Sources and spread of Botrytis

Initial infections often start in dead flowers, fallen petals or damaged tissues. From there, spores move quickly to healthy plant parts. Greenhouses provide many opportunities for spread:

Air currents: Spores disperse rapidly in closed environments
Water splash: Irrigation can spread spores from infected plants to healthy ones
Human activity: Tools, gloves, and hands carry spores between plants
Plant-to-plant contact: Dense spacing increases risk

Botrytis spores germinate rapidly on moist surfaces. They penetrate through wounds, natural openings, or senescent tissues, making sanitation and careful handling vital.

Favorable conditions for Botrytis development

Humidity above 85%
Temperatures between 15–22°C (59–72°F)
Prolonged leaf wetness or condensation
Excess nitrogen, which encourages soft growth prone to infection

These conditions are common in commercial greenhouses, making proactive management the only reliable strategy.

Prevention Is Key

Botrytis cinerea is easier to prevent than cure. Integrated hygiene and environmental practices form the foundation of control:

Scout crops regularly during high-risk periods
Remove senescent flowers, leaves, and fallen debris
Avoid overhead watering and minimize wet leaf duration
Space plants to improve airflow
Disinfect tools, trays, and benches frequently
Avoid working with wet plants

Environmental management is equally important. Ventilation, heating, and air circulation reduce humidity. Shade systems prevent condensation from rapid cooling, and sensors help growers monitor humidity and leaf wetness in real time.

Control Botrytis cinerea

Apply biologicals before symptoms appear and rotate products to avoid resistance buildup. Biological control is most effective when integrated with strong hygiene practices.

Biological control of Botrytis in Cyclamen

Biological agents can help reduce spore germination and infection pressure, when applied before symptoms appear.

They compete for nutrients and space with Botrytis, occupies infection sites, preventing colonization and stimulate plant defences. Examples are Trichoderma spp, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Gliocladium catenulatum.

Chemical control of Botrytis

Fungicides can help suppress outbreaks but should never be the sole solution. Best practice includes:

Apply fungicides before or at the first signs of infection
Avoid resistance by rotation between fungicide groups to
Avoid chemical control which harm Cyclamen persicum.
Combine chemical sprays with biological agents for stronger control
Make sure you use clean water sources

Summary: 5 steps to manage Botrytis

Scout crops and act early during high-risk conditions
Remove dead tissue, disinfect tools, and avoid handling wet plants
Maintain relative humidity below 85% with proper ventilation and spacing
Apply biological products such as Trichoderma, Bacillus, or Pseudomonas before symptoms appear
Rotate fungicides carefully and avoid phytotoxic formulations

Conclusion

Botrytis cinerea in Cyclamen persicum remains a challenge. The disease develops under high humid conditions on weakened plant parts. The fungus spreads invisibly until damage is severe. Combine good hygiene, environmental control, biological agents and careful fungicide use.

This way you can protect your Cyclamen, reduce losses and deliver high-quality plants to the market.

Questions

Do you have questions about Botrytis cinerea or would you like to know more?

Contact growing support