The infected fruit spot is at first a light brown color and somewhat soft in texture. As the entire berry becomes infected, the rotted area becomes firm and turns a darker brown color. Berries resting on damp soil or touching infected plant parts are most commonly attacked by the fungus. Life Cycle Botrytis fungi overwinter as sclerotia on dead tissue. In the spring during cool humid weather, spores form and spread by wind or water to wounded or extremely soft plant tissues.
Infection can also occur from growth of fungal strands from previously infected plant parts.
The fungus can survive on decaying vegetation so it can infect healthy plants throughout the growing season. Integrated Pest Management Strategies 1. Remove infected plant parts. Collecting and removing infected plant parts can slow the spread of the disease. Improve air circulation around the plants .