RE: Honeysuckle vine

> Date: Sun, 18 Jun 2000 17:54:46 -0500
>  From: "Barb Pernacciaro" <bpern@idcnet.com>
>  
>  I assume the Botrytis that infects honeysuckle vine is in the soil and 
there
>  is no treatment for it?
>  
>  I may cut the honeysuckle down to the ground at the end of the season and
>  see what happens next year. 

Barb,
Blackened tips can be caused by a lot of things. Symptoms are not really 
diagnostic with Botrytis blight. To diagnose it look for mycelium.  You 
should see a 'gray mold' which appears as a grayish cast on the stem of the 
plant.  Inspect the stems and leaves with a magnifying glass.  If it is 
botrytis you will see the fungal structures.    

Botrytis is difficult, but not impossible to treat. Cultural methods can be 
effective. You can treat it with fungicides but it takes continuous spraying. 
 

I do not think sulfur sprays are effective on Botrytis, and as far as I know 
those homemade sprays that work so well on powdery mildew are not effective 
on Botrytis, either.  If anyone on the list has experience to either confirm 
or dispute this, please let us know.

Bordeaux mixture is recommended for Botrytis and is easier on the environment 
than many other commercial products.  However, one should be careful using it 
because if not applied properly it can damage the plant. The newer copper 
sprays like the one marketed by Concern should work and are safer to use, but 
do be sure to follow the label directions carefully when using any pesticide. 
 You will need to spray the plant at least two times, and possibly three or 
more, to control Botrytis blight.  Fungicides alone, without the use of good 
cultural controls, will not cure it. 

Your best bet is to focus on cultural practices.  Using a magnifying glass to 
identify them, destroy infected plant parts immediately.  Put them in a 
plastic bag and put them in the trash, NOT the compost.  Disinfect the tools 
you use.  Good air circulation helps.  Keep mulch away from the base of the 
stems. Go easy on the fertilizer, do not use overhead watering and be sure 
your drainage is good.  

If Botrytis is the culprit, your plan to cut the plant to the ground at the 
end of the season is a good one since the spores of Botrytis overwinter near 
the base of the plant.  

Good luck!  If you decide to play Sherlock Holmes with the magnifying glass, 
do let us know what you find.  --Janis


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