Control of Botrytiscinerea Disease on Cut Flowers of Gladiolus by Sublimation of Fungicides

Two "thermal dust" fungicides, Termil and Thiabendazole (TBZ), and a liquid, Tutane, were found to be promising in controlling Botrytis disease on cut flowers. They are not only effec tive; they leave no visible residues. Termil and TBZ dusts were more effective than Botran and captan sprays in protecting gladiolus cut flowers from infection. Tutane applied after initiation of infection was more effective than captan, Botran and Daconil 2787 sprays applied before inoculation. The control of Botrytis by Tutane spray was increased as much or more by doubling spray volume as by doubling concentration. An out-door test of Termil applied with a Carmel fogging gun showed that flowers were protected by the dust better than by sprays of captan, Botran and Daconil 2787. The test sprays and dust were applied to mature chrysanthemum stock plant beds where cut gladiolus flowers were placed among the chrysanthemums as indicator plants and then inoculated.