I started a separate compost pile (a big one!) to dispose of last year's plants. We had a cold wet season and a lot of grey mold (botrytis blight). From what I understand, botrytis is ubiquitous in the environment, and so there seemed no point in burning or otherwise disposing the material except to cover it immediately to minimize spore dispersal, and compost it really thoroughly. This is different from things like early blight (Alternaria or Septoria) or leaf miners where the infected leaves are picked off and burned as soon as they appear. I would have needed a huge bonfire to dispose all the moldy plant material from last year's crowded house!
They say the botrytis spores do not persist in the soil - although they can overwinter on plant material. I reckon when the compost is cooked and well done (2013!), I'll use it for a non-susceptible crop, like mustard greens.
|