Botryotinia, thus spake Wikipedia, is a genus of ascomycete fungi causing several plant diseases. The anamorphs of Botryotinia are mostly included in the imperfect fungi genus Botrytis. The genus contains 22 species and one hybrid. Plant diseases caused by Botryotinia species appear primarily as blossom blights and fruit rots but also as leaf spots and bulb rots in the field and in stored products. The fungi induce host cell death resulting in progressive decay of infected plant tissue, whence they take nutrients. Sexual reproduction takes place with ascospores produced in apothecia while conidia are the means of asexual reproduction. Sclerotia of plano-convexoid shape are typical. Some species also cause damping off, killing seeds or seedlings during or before germination. Botrytis cinerea is an important species for wine industry as well as horticulture. Other economically important species include Botryotinia convoluta (the type species of the genus), Botryotinia polyblastis, Botrytis allii and Botrytis fabae.
After the United Kingdom finally caught up to the rest of Christendom by adopting the Gregorian calendar reform in AD 1752, some activities traditionally associated with Michaelmas Day (29 September) moved forward a fortnight to 11 October. Old Michaelmas Day, then, was said to be the last day that blackberries should be picked as fabulous folklore in Merrie Olde England relates and regales that it was on this day that the despicable Devil was kindly kicked out of holy Heaven. On his way down in his dastardly descent, the irascible Old Nick is said to have landed on a blackberry bush, subsequently cursing the prickly berries, scorching them with his fiery breath, stamping and spitting upon them. In other legends perhaps best recounted by the ever so gracious groundlings, he urinates on them. In any event, the old saying rings true as blackberries are way past their best by October. There is quaint kernel of veracity behind this loving legend as wetter and cooler weather often allows blackberries to become infected by various molds which give the fruit an unpleasant look and may be toxic, such as the above mentioned Botryotinia.
After the United Kingdom finally caught up to the rest of Christendom by adopting the Gregorian calendar reform in AD 1752, some activities traditionally associated with Michaelmas Day (29 September) moved forward a fortnight to 11 October. Old Michaelmas Day, then, was said to be the last day that blackberries should be picked as fabulous folklore in Merrie Olde England relates and regales that it was on this day that the despicable Devil was kindly kicked out of holy Heaven. On his way down in his dastardly descent, the irascible Old Nick is said to have landed on a blackberry bush, subsequently cursing the prickly berries, scorching them with his fiery breath, stamping and spitting upon them. In other legends perhaps best recounted by the ever so gracious groundlings, he urinates on them. In any event, the old saying rings true as blackberries are way past their best by October. There is quaint kernel of veracity behind this loving legend as wetter and cooler weather often allows blackberries to become infected by various molds which give the fruit an unpleasant look and may be toxic, such as the above mentioned Botryotinia.
At least that is one less threat to the shares of Research In Motion.
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