Botrytis Bunch Rot: A Disease Requiring Integrated Control

Botrytis bunch rot (BBR), caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, causes damage to ripening grape clusters throughout the temperate regions of the world where pre-harvest rains occur. Although pure Botrytis infections free of secondary contaminants can sometimes produce the so-called "noble rot" integral to the production of certain prized dessert wines, a far more common result is a disease that reduces both yield and fruit quality (Figure 1), as infected grapes typically produce wines with substandard flavors and appearance.