Methods for Inoculating Botrytis cinerea on Leaves and Fruit

Being a generalist pathogen with a broad host range, Botrytis cinerea causes tremendous postharvest loss and food waste, while the incidence of gray mold is contingent upon the pathogenicity of B. cinerea and the resistance of host plants. It can thus be anticipated that the goals for controlling gray mold can be achieved by either inhibiting the pathogenicity of B. cinerea or enhancing the resistance of host plants. To assess the pathogenicity of pathogens or the defense responses of hosts, a standardized inoculation protocol is indispensable. Notably, specific controlled conditions are also important requisites. In this chapter, we primarily summarized a standard inoculation method and some key notes for the experimental procedures.