Calcium reducesBotrytis c1nerea damages to plants ofRuscus hypoglossum

Plants ofRuscus hypoglossum L. were grown in containers with perlite, an inert medium, or with soil, under similar-to-commercial conditions, for three winter seasons. Constant fertilization with soluble calcium Ca(NO₃)₂] through the root zone resulted in a reduction of up to 78% in postharvest rot caused by artificial inoculation withBotrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr. Control plants were treated by fertilization with N,P,K and all other elements, identical to the fertilizer containing calcium. Foliar application of Ca(NO₃)₂ to ruscus bushes or application of this compound or of CaCl₂ or CaSO₄ to mature cut branches standing in water, resulted also in a significant reduction in postharvest phylloclade rot. Application of CaSO₄ and Ca(H2PO₄)₂ + CaSO₄ to ruscus plants, from fertilizers containing 22% Ca and releasing the cation gradually, effectively reduced the susceptibility of cut branches to infection by_{B. cinerea.}