Monilinia fructicola

Monilinia fructicola is a fungal pathogen that primarily affects stone fruit trees, including peach, nectarine, plum, apricot, and cherry trees. It is the causative agent of brown rot, a serious disease that can cause significant losses in fruit crops.

Taxonomy

The fungus was first described in 1915 by the American mycologist George Francis Atkinson. It belongs to the Ascomycota division, the largest division of fungi, which includes more than 64,000 species. Within this division, Monilinia fructicola is part of the Sclerotiniaceae family.

Description

Monilinia fructicola is a necrotrophic fungus, meaning it kills host tissue and then feeds on the dead cells. It produces conidia, or asexual spores, which are spread by wind and rain. These spores can infect fruit through wounds or natural openings.

Disease Cycle

The disease cycle of Monilinia fructicola begins when conidia infect the blossoms of the host tree in the spring. The fungus then grows into the fruit, causing it to rot. Infected fruit eventually shrivel and become mummified, remaining on the tree or falling to the ground. The fungus overwinters in these mummified fruit, producing new conidia the following spring.

Management

Management of Monilinia fructicola involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include pruning to increase air circulation, removing mummified fruit, and avoiding overhead irrigation. Chemical control typically involves the application of fungicides during bloom and pre-harvest periods.

Impact

Monilinia fructicola is a significant pathogen in stone fruit production worldwide. It can cause severe yield losses, particularly in years with wet spring weather. In addition to direct yield loss, the fungus can also reduce the marketability of fruit due to blemishes and rot.