In our trial, Botrytis progressed and produced spores on nearly 40 percent of the foliage that was left untreated (see graph). Overall, the standards, including Echo 720, 26 GT, Daconil Weatherstik and Decree 50WDG, provided good protection and kept disease to less than 10  percent. Compass + Latron B-1956 offered Botrytis control, but was not always as effective as the standard fungicides. It is helpful to know that Compass is not only a strong powdery mildew fungicide, but can also suppress Botrytis. Terraguard 50W, even at a high rate, was not especially helpful in this trial in managing Botrytis blight. The inability of Fungo 50WSB to limit Botrytis in our trial may be due to resistance of our particular Botrytis strain to this fungicide. Due to the frequency of Botrytis isolates that are resistant to benzimidazoles (examples are Cleary’s 3336, Fungo), these fungicides are no longer recommended as the primary tool for controlling Botrytis. Although resistance to the systemic dicarboximide fungicides (Chipco 26 GT) has also been documented, resistance does not appear to be widespread, and if used wisely, they should continue to be effective. Rotating dicarboximide fungicides with protectant fungicides (Daconil, Decree, Phyton-27, Exotherm Termil, Echo, Dithane are examples) is a traditional way of delaying the buildup of resistant isolates. Protectant fungicides do not appear to be at great risk of developing resistance. However, these protectant fungicides may not be as effective as the dicarboximide fungicides. Moorman and Lease (1992, Plant Disease 76:374-376) at The Pennsylvania State University determined that tank mixtures of systemic and protectant fungicides provided good control of Botrytis and lasted longer than applications of single fungicides.

Many growers have asked about ZeroTol for Botrytis control and two different treatment programs were included. In our trial, Botrytis blighted over 30 percent of the foliage that was left untreated (see graph). The Daconil Weather Stik 6SC standard provided good protection and kept disease to less than 1  percent. The unregistered fungicides Fluazinam 500F, Boscalid 70WG, and Captan 80WDG all limited disease to 4 percent or less and performed in a way that was comparable to Daconil Weather Stik 6SC. Repeated applications of Fluazinam appeared to cause some yellowing of the geraniums’ leaves and requires additional testing. Using ZeroTol to control Botrytis was not especially helpful in this particular trial.

Identifying new fungicides that could be registered for use on ornamentals has been a major thrust of the research sponsored by the Special Floriculture Initiative of the USDA Agricultural Research Service and the American Floral Endowment. With data from screening trials, University researchers can partner with the product manufacturer, interested growers and the IR-4 Project (www.ir4.rutgers.edu) to initiate and speed registration. Input from growers regarding their need for pest management tools is encouraged and appreciated and can be made via the IR-4 website.

Grow plants in a well-ventilated, low relative humidity (<85 percent) environment.
Increase plant spacing. A less dense plant canopy will allow air circulation and thorough fungicide coverage.
Minimize the hours that the foliage is wet by watering in the morning so the foliage dries by the evening.
Reduce the relative humidity for a minimum of 24 hours immediately following the harvesting of cuttings to help “dry” the wounded stems and thereby limit stem blight.

Sanitation also plays a role in disease management. Botrytis readily colonizes and produces conidia in senescent or dead plant debris. Therefore, remove plant debris on and underneath plant benches that could serve as a reservoir for sporulating Botrytis.

The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency loan and grant program was established under Section 9006 of the 2002 Farm Bill to encourage agricultural businesses located in rural areas to create or install renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Eligible projects include investments in anaerobic digesters, biomass boilers and burners, solar collectors, wind energy and energy efficiency improvements. Examples of energy efficiency projects include the installation of more energy-efficient motors, pumps, fans, ventilation systems, insulation, and heating and lighting systems.

Grants can cover up to 25 percent of total eligible costs. The minimum energy efficiency grant is $1,500 and maximum is $250,000. The minimum renewable energy grant is $2,500 and maximum is $500,000. Guaranteed loans can cover up to 50 percent of the total eligible cost. Loan limits are a minimum of $5,000 and a maximum of $10 million.

Applications for grants must be completed and submitted to the USDA Rural Development State Office or Area Offices, postmarked no later than May 18. Applications must be submitted no later than July 2 for guaranteed loan applications or loan/grant combinations.

For more information in Michigan, contact Rick Vanderbeek at (517) 324-5157 in East Lansing, Paula Gromak at (989) 673-8173, ext. 120 in Caro, or Lori Krause at (906) 428-1060, ext. 112 in the Upper Peninsula. In addition, visit the Energy Grants and Loans webpage on the MSU Floriculture AoE Team’s website for supplemental information.