Genus name (botanically Botryotinia) for fungi with around 20 species (types) that belong to the tubular fungi or moulds. All species live as parasites, which leads to the progressive decay of the tissue (rot) of the infested plants. The species Botrytis cinerea (also Botryotinia fuckeliana, grey mould, grey rot, grey mould rot, sour rot when grapes are still green) is a plant pest that attacks well over 200 host plants, including grapevines. The mycelium (fungal threads, tissue) is greyish or brownish. The fungus spreads mainly vegetatively via the conidia (spore form). Some species can also reproduce sexually.
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