Botrytis - Bud Rot - Causes, Identification, Prevention, Treatment

Bud rot is also known as Botrytis cinerea, which is a fungal disease that affects over 200 different plants (1), including: strawberries, potatoes, tomatoes, and hemp crops. The threat is particularly high for plants grown in greenhouses versus in the field. It can be a devastating problem for growers, causing significant damage to crops and reducing yield. In this article, we will discuss what bud rot is, what causes it, how to identify it, and how to prevent and treat it.

What is Bud Rot?

Bud rot is a type of fungal disease caused by the Botrytis cinerea fungus. It can infect hemp plants at any stage of their growth, but it is most common during the flowering stage. The fungus attacks the plant's flowers, buds, and stems, causing them to rot and die. This can lead to a loss of yield and a decrease in the quality of the final product.

This is a good video on Youtube by Professor Debacco on how to identify bud rot. Here is an image of how bud rot looks on strawberry plants. 

What Causes Bud Rot?

Bud rot is caused by a combination of factors, including high humidity, poor air circulation, and damp or wet conditions. The Botrytis cinerea fungus thrives in these conditions, and it can quickly spread throughout a crop, infecting multiple plants at once.

Humidity is a key factor in the development of bud rot. When the air is humid, water droplets can form on the surface of the plant's flowers and buds. This creates a moist environment that is ideal for the growth of the fungus. Poor air circulation can exacerbate this problem, as it prevents the moisture from evaporating and can trap it around the plant.

Damp or wet conditions can also contribute to the development of bud rot. If the plants are overwatered or if there is standing water in the growing area, it can create an environment that is conducive to fungal growth.

How to Identify Bud Rot

Identifying bud rot can be challenging, as it often starts from the inside of the plant and works its way out. However, there are a few signs to look for that can indicate the presence of the fungus.

One of the first signs of bud rot is a discoloration of the plant's flowers and buds. They may turn brown or gray and become mushy to the touch. The affected area may also have a distinctive musty odor.

As the fungus spreads, it can cause the affected area to wilt and die. This can be especially problematic during the flowering stage, as it can cause the plant to stop producing buds and reduce overall yield.

How to Prevent Bud Rot

• Preventing bud rot starts with creating an environment that is inhospitable to fungal growth. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of infection:
• Control humidity levels - The ideal humidity level for hemp plants during the flowering stage is between 40% and 50%. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels in your growing area and use a dehumidifier or air conditioning unit to lower the humidity if necessary.
• Increase air circulation - Use fans to circulate air around your plants and prevent the buildup of moisture. This can be especially important in areas that are prone to high humidity.
• Avoid overwatering - Only water your plants when they need it, and avoid overwatering or leaving standing water in the growing area.
• Monitor for signs of infection - Check your plants regularly for signs of bud rot or other fungal diseases. If you notice any signs of infection, remove the affected plants immediately to prevent the spread of the fungus.
• Use preventative treatments - There are several preventative treatments you can use to reduce the risk of bud rot, such as neem oil, potassium bicarbonate, or sulfur sprays. These treatments can help create an inhospitable environment for fungal growth and reduce the risk of infection.

How to Treat Bud Rot

1. If you do notice signs of bud rot in your plants, it is important to act quickly to prevent the spread of the fungus. Here are some steps you can take to treat bud rot:
2. Remove infected plants - As soon as you notice signs of bud rot, remove the infected plants from your growing area. This will help prevent the spread of the fungus to other plants.
3. Remove infected buds and flowers - Carefully remove any infected buds or flowers from the plant. Be sure to wear gloves to prevent the spread of the fungus.
4. Clean your growing area - Thoroughly clean your growing area to remove any traces of the fungus. Use a bleach solution to disinfect surfaces and tools.
5. Apply a fungicide - There are several fungicides that can be effective in treating bud rot, such as copper-based sprays or sulfur treatments. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and wear protective gear when applying any chemical treatments.
6. Monitor remaining plants - Keep a close eye on your remaining plants for any signs of infection. If you notice any new signs of bud rot, repeat the steps above to prevent the spread of the fungus.

Botrytis Bud Rot FAQ

What is bud rot?

 

Bud rot, also known as botrytis, is a fungal disease that affects a variety of plants, including cannabis. It can be a devastating problem for growers, causing significant damage to crops and reducing yield.

What causes bud rot?

Bud rot is caused by a combination of factors, including high humidity, poor air circulation, and damp or wet conditions. The Botrytis cinerea fungus thrives in these conditions, and it can quickly spread throughout a crop, infecting multiple plants at once.

How to identify bud rot?

      

Identifying bud rot can be challenging, as it often starts from the inside of the plant and works its way out. However, some signs to look for include a discoloration of the plant's flowers and buds, which may turn brown or gray and become mushy to the touch. The affected area may also have a distinctive musty odor."

    

How to prevent bud rot?

Preventing bud rot starts with creating an environment that is inhospitable to fungal growth. Some steps you can take include controlling humidity levels, increasing air circulation, avoiding overwatering, monitoring for signs of infection, and using preventative treatments like neem oil or sulfur sprays."

 

How to treat bud rot?

If you notice signs of bud rot, it is important to act quickly to prevent the spread of the fungus. Some steps you can take include removing infected plants, removing infected buds and flowers, cleaning your growing area, applying a fungicide, and monitoring remaining plants for signs of infection."

Conclusion

Bud rot can be a serious problem for commercial greenhouse growers, but it is not impossible to prevent or treat. By taking steps to create an inhospitable environment for fungal growth and monitoring your plants regularly for signs of infection, you can reduce the risk of bud rot and protect your crop. If you do notice signs of infection, act quickly to prevent the spread of the fungus and protect your remaining plants. With the right approach, you can keep your plants healthy and produce a high-quality final product.