CALCIUM REDUCES BOTRYTIS-CINEREA DAMAGES TO PLANTS OF RUSCUS-HYPOGLOSSUM

Plants of Ruscus 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 with Botrytis 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 by B. cinerea.