Botrytis spores can initiate infections only when they contact tissue that is already injured or declining (left). However, healthy tissue can be infected if it contacts tissue that has already developed Botrytis blight, or gray mold disease.

Life cycle line art illustration of Botrytis spores, spore-forming structures, and fungal infection of blossoms and leaves.; Davis, California Credit: Adapted from: Agrios G. N. 1997. Plant Pathology. 4th ed. San Diego: Academic Press.
Credit: Adapted from: Agrios G. N. 1997. Plant Pathology. 4th ed. San Diego: Academic Press.