Botrytis Tolerance Traits

Botrytis tolerance traits refer to genetic characteristics that enable cannabis plants to resist or withstand Botrytis cinerea, a fungal pathogen commonly known as grey mold. This trait family encompasses both structural plant features—such as open bud architecture and reduced leaf density—and biochemical factors like terpene profiles often associated with antifungal properties. Breeders working in humid or high-mold-risk environments frequently prioritize these genetics to reduce crop loss and minimize post-harvest processing complications. Botrytis tolerance is not absolute immunity but rather a spectrum of resistance influenced by genotype, cultivation conditions, and environmental pressure. Documentation of these traits in breeding programs remains inconsistent, as formal resistance testing is not standardized across the cannabis industry.

Breeders in humid regions and commercial operations integrate botrytis-resistant cultivars into breeding stock to improve crop resilience and reduce fungicide dependency. Crossing plants with open bud structure, vigorous airflow characteristics, and reported mold-resistance markers helps establish more robust cultivar lines for challenging growing environments.