Brown Rot – Dry Rot – Monilinia fructicola – Monilinia laxa

Brown rot Common name Brown rot Dry rot Causal agent Brown rot is a fungal disease caused by two fungi of the genus Monilinia. It attacks the Prunus trees, including apples, pears, and apricot. Scientific name Monilinia fructicola Monilinia laxa Symptoms & Signs Initially, the disease produces brown spots on the flowers, causing their collapse. This forms a sticky substance that spreads on the branches and twigs, infecting them. Powdery, gray spores form on the fruits, shriveling them and turning them into mummies. Transmission Brown rot disease is spread by spores that travel to healthy trees by means of wind, rain, and insects. The fungi thrive in warm and wet conditions, especially when the temperature is between 68 to 77°F. Time of concern Early spring to fall Common hosts Peach Cherry Plum Almond Apple Pear