Botrytis Susceptibility

Botrytis susceptibility refers to a cannabis plant's vulnerability to Botrytis cinerea (gray mold), a fungal pathogen common in humid growing environments. While not an aroma itself, botrytis susceptibility is often correlated with dense flower structure, high humidity retention, and certain terpene profiles that create favorable microclimates for fungal growth. Strains with tight, compact buds and heavy resin production are frequently tagged as higher-risk candidates. Understanding this trait is critical for cultivation planning, particularly in indoor or humid outdoor settings. Breeders working in disease-resistant genetics often select for looser flower structure, improved air circulation traits, and genetic markers associated with natural fungal resistance. Documentation of botrytis susceptibility across lineages helps growers make informed environmental and strain-selection decision

Breeders use botrytis susceptibility data to develop cultivars better suited to specific climates and cultivation methods. Selecting parent plants with documented resistance traits and phenotypic characteristics that reduce fungal risk is a core strategy in modern disease-resistant breeding programs.