Efficacy of post-harvest fungicide sprays and fan-drying for the control of gray mould (Botrytis cinerea) in roses (Rosacea hybridus var. annabella)

Maria Goss and Upenyu Mazarura (2013) Efficacy of post-harvest fungicide sprays and fandrying for the control of gray mould (Botrytis cinerea) in roses (Rosacea hybridus var. annabella). International Journal of Agricultural Technology 9(2): 479-486. Abstract Botrytis cinerea is a fungal disease of many cut flowers, affecting their quality and hence, market value. The visual symptoms of the disease usually appear during the postharvest period. The objectives of this study were to determine if the post-harvest fungicidal sprays; post-harvest Fan-drying, use of post-harvest fungicidal sprays in combination with fan drying, were effective in the control of Botrytis cinerea in cut roses. Post-harvest spray combinations of three specific botryticides, followed by fan drying were investigated. Fan drying significantly reduced the incidence of post-harvest Botrytis infection but this was not consistent over all three-fungicide treatments. With the exception of one fungicide treatment, there was a clear interaction between fungicide sprays and fan drying. A combination of specific botryticide sprays and fan drying appeared to be a good option for reducing postharvest Botrytis infections. The treatments had no adverse effects on the quality or vase life of the rose variety used