Most commonly used abbreviation for Botrytis cinerea (synonym Botryotinia fuckeliana) for the mould fungus from the Botrytis genus, known in German as Grauschimmelfäule (also grey rot, grey mould, sour rot) or, in positive terms, as Edelpilz or Edelfäule. It is a tubular fungus and spreads mainly vegetatively via the conidia (spore form). Some species can also reproduce sexually. Depending on the stage of ripeness or the infested areas on the vine, it is also known as botrytis of the vine, botrytis of the stalk or botrytis of the grape.
Botrytis was already described in the 18th century and occurs in all temperate climate zones of the world. Wine-growing regions with particularly favourable geographical and climatic conditions for infestation include Sauternes (France), Rheingau (Germany), Neusiedlersee (Austria) and Tokaj (Hungary). Over 200 host plants are known. Flower bulbs, vegetables, ornamental plants and vines are particularly affected. The infestation is necotrophic (fatal) in young grapes and biotrophic (host organism stays alive longer) in older grapes.
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