Variability Associated with Suppression of Gray Mold (Botrytis cinerea) on Geranium by Foliar Applications of Nonaerated and Aerated Compost Teas

The use of compost teas in agriculture and urban landscapes is increasing, but there is conflicting information on which methods are suitable for obtaining compost teas that suppress disease when applied to plants. Numerous compost tea production parameters (compost source, aeration, nutrient additives, production duration, and use of application adjuvants) were tested for suppressing gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) on geranium. While individual compost tea batches did significantly reduce disease, the majority of compost teas did not significantly suppress gray mold of geranium. For nonaerated compost tea (NCT), the most consistent, significant disease suppression was associated with particular compost samples and increased production time, with little effect of periodic stirring or the addition of nutrients at the onset of production. Continuously aerating compost tea did not significantly increase disease suppression compared with nonaerated compost teas. Preparing aerated compost tea (ACT) with nutrient additives did not consistently increase disease suppression; however, 67% of ACT batches made with a mixture of kelp extract, rock dust, and humic acid significantly reduced disease. Applying ACT with spray adjuvants significantly reduced disease compared with ACT with no adjuvants. The variability in gray mold suppression from NCT and ACT applications indicates that disease control would not be commercially acceptable unless there are no other alternatives due to production constraints, e.g., organic standards.