Effect of surface wax on inhibition of germination of Botrytis cinerea spores on beetroot leaves

Germination of Botrytis cinerea spores was inhibited on beetroot leaf was reformed on glass fibre. Wax was extracted by immersion of leaves in chloroform for periods of 1 to 60 s. There was some inhibition of spore germination on wax deposited for 6 h, and a marked inhibition after 18 h or longer. Inhibition of germination of spores on reformed wax was less than that on beetroot leaves. Inhibition was overcome by the addition of nutrients to spore suspensions on reformed wax. Continuous spraying of beetroot plants with water, or chemical treatment of plants with TCA or EPTC, caused a reduction in contact angles on leaves. Germination of B. cinerea spores was greatly increased on leaves of plants treated with water-spray or chemicals.