Phytoparasitica

, 20:285 | Cite as

Calcium reducesBotrytis c1nerea damages to plants ofRuscus hypoglossum

  • Yigal Elad
  • Beni Kirshner
Research Paper
Received:

Abstract

Plants ofRuscus hypoglossum L. were grown in containers with perlite, an inert medium, or with soil, under similar-to-commercial conditions, for three winter seasons. Constant fertilization with soluble calcium [Ca(NO3)2] through the root zone resulted in a reduction of up to 78% in postharvest rot caused by artificial inoculation withBotrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr. Control plants were treated by fertilization with N,P,K and all other elements, identical to the fertilizer containing calcium. Foliar application of Ca(NO3)2 to ruscus bushes or application of this compound or of CaCl2 or CaSO4 to mature cut branches standing in water, resulted also in a significant reduction in postharvest phylloclade rot. Application of CaSO4 and Ca(H2PO4)2 + CaSO4 to ruscus plants, from fertilizers containing 22% Ca and releasing the cation gradually, effectively reduced the susceptibility of cut branches to infection byB. cinerea.

Key Words

Botrytis cinerea calcium fertilization nutrients Ruscus hypoglossum 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science + Business Media B.V. 1992

Authors and Affiliations

  • Yigal Elad
  • Beni Kirshner
    • 1
  1. 1.Dept. of Plant Pathology, AROThe Volcani CenterBet DaganIsrael

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