FloraLife Has a Breakthrough Solution Against Botrytis

FloraLife is revolutionizing the world of roses with a groundbreaking solution to one of their greatest challenges: Botrytis cinerea, commonly known as grey mold. This fungal infection, which thrives under stress conditions, is a persistent threat to roses, spreading rapidly and causing significant losses. Most roses carry botrytis spores when they leave the farm, and even minor damage during transport or handling can trigger these spores into an active infection.

Recognizing the need for an effective solution, FloraLife developed the FloraLife® BotrytisBloc Bundle, a product designed to prevent botrytis spores from developing into infections. To test its effectiveness, researchers conducted an experiment at the FloraLife Kenya laboratory, using roses sourced from a Kenyan farm. The flower heads were divided into two groups: one treated with the BotrytisBloc solution through a dipping process and the other left untreated as a control. The stems were trimmed to 40 centimeters, stripped of lower leaves, and placed in buckets filled with FloraLife® Express Rose 300 solution.

The roses were then subjected to a high-humidity environment for 48 hours to simulate conditions that accelerate the onset of botrytis. Afterward, the flowers were transferred to a vase observation room maintained at 18°C with alternating 12-hour cycles of light and darkness. Researchers closely monitored the roses over several days, documenting changes in their vase life and the progression of botrytis-related damage.

The results were remarkable. Roses treated with the FloraLife® BotrytisBloc Bundle exhibited an average vase life increase of 2.5 days compared to untreated roses. Additionally, the percentage of flowers terminated by botrytis by day seven was reduced by 47%. These improvements demonstrate the product’s potential to not only extend the aesthetic appeal of roses but also reduce losses caused by fungal infections.

The experiment’s findings are further supported by tests involving FloraLife® Rose Enhancer, which yielded similar benefits. Across 10 Colombian rose cultivars, the product increased vase life by an average of 2.4 days and enhanced flower diameter by 1 centimeter by the fifth day. Some cultivars, such as ‘High and Exotic,’ saw remarkable improvements, with vase life extended by as much as 6.4 days.

These advancements mark a significant breakthrough in floral preservation. By effectively curbing botrytis and enhancing vase life, the FloraLife® BotrytisBloc Bundle provides growers and florists with a reliable tool to preserve the quality and beauty of roses. Currently available exclusively in Kenya, the product highlights the region’s role as a hub for innovation in the floriculture industry, offering hope for a more sustainable and efficient approach to flower preservation.