Monilinia Fructigena

Monilinia fructigena is a fungal pathogen causing brown rot disease in pome fruits (apples, pears) and stone fruits (plums, cherries, apricots). The disease affects developing and mature fruit on trees and in storage, causing rapid browning, mummification, and complete fruit loss. Infection occurs through flower blossoms in spring, with spore production on infected blossoms creating secondary infection sources. Fruit-to-fruit contact spreads the pathogen during harvest and storage, making proper handling and cold storage critical. Economic losses are substantial in affected orchards, particularly in humid climates