El Niņo appears to be responsible for mild winter weather in Ohio. Many growers are reporting substantial savings in heating fuel. Despite the fact that milder temperatures and high humidity levels created an environment ideal for Botrytis,few growers reported the problem. Since El Nino most likely will continue for at least a few more months, weather conditions will be ripe for Botrytis outbreaks. Forewarned, growers should keep relative humidity in the greenhouses low and have fungicide sprays at the ready.
Fungicides that contain the active ingredients chlorothalonil and mancozeb have proven to be very successful. Other fungicides are also available and used with varied degree of success by growers. If you have any problem, please feel free to contact Dr. Steve Nameth at 614-292-8038.
