Grey mould of the globe artichoke in Argentina

During the growing season 2000–2001, symptoms of rot and brown to black mummified buds were observed on artichoke plants cultivated in Arana, Buenos Aires, Argentina, an area of intensive horticulture production. The present study was undertaken in order to determine the aetiology of the disease. The fungus isolated was identified as Botrytis cinerea. Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculating buds of globe artichoke plants and cut buds with a spore suspension. Inoculated plants and cut buds developed symptoms and spores characteristic of grey mould. B. cinerea was re-isolated from inoculated buds. This work confirms the presence the grey mould, caused by Botrytis cinerea, on artichoke in Argentina.