How to recognize and combat the monilinia fungus in fruit

Moniliosis causes rapid fruit rot, especially when the fruit is nearing maturity or has wounds or superficial damage. The infection usually begins with small brown or water-soaked areas that gradually increase in size. Subsequently, the affected tissue softens and turns brown, while circular clusters of fungal reproductive structures, generally cream, beige, or grayish in color, may appear on the surface. As the infection progresses, much or all of the fruit may rot and eventually dehydrate, becoming mummified and potentially remaining attached to the plant. In humid conditions, the disease can advance very rapidly and cause significant losses both before harvest and during handling, transport, and storage. Infections can also affect flowers and young tissues, causing necrosis and, in some cases, branch lesions and canker formation. The presence of infected fruit also promotes the emergence of new sources of inoculum within the orchard. Among the most common manifestations are:

• Appearance of small, brown, circular or irregular spots that gradually increase in size.

• Softening and decomposition of fruit tissues.

• Brown rot that can spread rapidly across the entire surface.

• Formation of cream, beige, or grayish sporulation masses or circles on the affected fruit.

• Progressive dehydration of the infected fruit.

• Formation of mummified fruit that may remain attached to the tree or fall to the ground.

• Infection and necrosis of flowers, especially during flowering periods with high humidity.

• Drying of flowers and young shoots as a result of established infections in the floral tissues.

• Appearance of lesions or cankers on branches and twigs under certain conditions.

• Premature fruit loss and a considerable reduction in the marketable harvest.

• Development of secondary rots during transport or storage of fruit with latent infections or minor lesions. • Rapid spread between fruits when they remain in direct contact and there is high humidity.