Control of botrytis blight of easter lilies with systemic fungicides

BOTRYTIS or “fire”; in Easter lily foliage and flowers is a devastating disease in the lily growing areas of southwest Oregon and northwest California. Botrytis foliage blight is caused by the fungus, Botrytis elliptica. The disease causes a tear-drop shaped lesion on the leaves and may completely defoliate plants not protected by a suitable fungicide. Through a magnifying hand lens the mycelium of the fungus can be seen growing on the surface of the leaf. The fungus is especially prevalent during periods of cool, wet weather.