Botryosphaeria Fruit Rot and Berry Speckle

Cotoneaster berries develop dark speckles and rot prematurely when infected by Botryosphaeria fungi during fruiting season. You'll notice significant fruit quality decline and early drop in moist conditions. The disease favors plants in poorly drained areas with overhead watering that keeps foliage constantly wet. Remove infected fruit promptly, improve drainage around plants, and ensure good air circulation through proper spacing.

Reduce moisture around affected tissue by improving drainage and air circulation. Remove rotted material cleanly and dispose of it away from the planting area. Avoid wounding healthy tissue during cleanup, as fresh wounds create new entry points. If the problem keeps returning, evaluate whether the site is too wet or poorly drained for the species you are growing.