Delaying the Decay: Uncovering Botrytis cinerea Resistance in Rose and Strawberry

Grey mould, caused by Botrytis cinerea, is one of the most damaging fungal diseases in roses and strawberries, leading to major losses worldwide. This research investigated why some rose and strawberry varieties are naturally more resistant to the disease than others. New image-based methods were developed to automatically measure disease symptoms, making assessments faster, more objective, and more accurate. These tools helped identify genetic regions associated with resistance and further research revealed that more resistant plants differ in characteristics such as tissue structure, chemical composition, and defence activity. The results show that resistance is controlled by many genes working together rather than by a single resistance gene. The research provides new knowledge about plant disease resistance and practical tools that can support breeders in developing rose and strawberry varieties that are less susceptible to grey mould and require fewer crop protection measures.