Tulip Fire

by Sherrie Smith and Jason Pavel - March 30, 2023

Plant Health Clinic Disease Note Issue 6

Tulip Fire-Botrytis tulipae (Photo by Sherrie Smith University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service)

One of the most difficult to manage and devastating diseases of Tulips is Tulip Fire, caused by the fungus Botrytis tulipae. Tulip Fire affects tulips only.

What are the signs of tulip fire?

Leaves newly emerging from the soil may be distorted and twisted and wither. If leaves survive emergence, they may have brown lesions that under wet environmental conditions enlarge to large blighted scorched areas, hence the common name “Tulip Fire.” Small oval spots may appear on flowers. During wet weather damaged leaves, stems, and flowers will become covered with a fuzzy, grey mycelial mat. Eventually, small black sclerotia, (seed-like structures) form on the dead tissue. These are the survival stage of the fungus and can persist for long periods in the soil and on debris.

How do I control tulip fire?

Tulips should not be planted for at least three years in a site where the disease has occurred. All bulbs should be checked carefully for signs of decay and the small black sclerotia. This is a very difficult disease to control, and chemicals are not always effective. Iprodione, mancozeb, and 2636 (iprodione + mancozeb), are labeled for Tulip Fire.

You may also try a pre-plant bulb dip using Serenade or Actinovate. Follow label for timing and repeat applications. It is more effective to plant in a different location. Do not save bulbs from an infected crop.

Take Aways:

• Do not replant tulips in an affected location for at least 3 years.
• Do not save bulbs from an infected crop.
• Consider a pre-plant fungicide dip.

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This work is supported by the Crop Protection and Pest Management Program [grant no. 2017-70006-27279/project accession no. 1013890] from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.