Scala

Black spot (Venturia inaequalis) is a serious disease for New Zealand apple growers. Also known as apple scab, if not adequately controlled it can result in massive losses of marketable crop. Typical symptoms are circular black spots on leaves and fruits. On fruits the spots can coalesce resulting in cracks and rots. Black spot infection and spread is favoured by wet and mild weather. A similar but different species, Venturia pirina causes black spot in pears.

Often called grey mould, Botrytis cinerea in wet seasons is responsible for the greatest crop losses in vineyards. Classically appears as bunch infections of browning berries with grey sporulation. Late season berry slip skin is also caused by botrytis. Botrytis can also be an issue in other crops including citrus, kiwifruit, onions strawberries and berryfruits.