Description

• Botrytis is a genus of filamentous fungi in the family Sclerotiniaceae. Species produce branching fungal hyphae and abundant grey, brown, or smoky conidia on upright conidiophores, giving infected or colonized surfaces a characteristic fuzzy appearance. Some species form dark, compact survival structures called sclerotia. Botrytis includes important plant pathogens.

Range

• Botrytis has a worldwide distribution and occurs in temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions wherever suitable plant hosts and humid conditions are present. Species occur throughout Mexico, including Guerrero and the Zihuatanejo region, particularly where moisture and susceptible vegetation provide favourable conditions.

Habitat

• Species of Botrytis are primarily associated with living and senescing plants, plant debris, flowers, fruits, leaves, and stems. They are especially common in humid vegetation, gardens, agricultural fields, greenhouses, forests, and areas containing damaged or decaying plant material. High humidity and prolonged surface moisture generally favour growth and sporulation.