LetgenPro|Real-Time PCR Kit (Monilinia laxa)

Monilinia laxa is a fungal pathogen that affects fruit trees, such as apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, apples and pears. This fungus is responsible for brown rot blossom blight, a disease that significantly impacts fruit production. It overwinters on infected plant debris, including twigs, branches, and mummified fruits, and becomes active in spring. The disease spreads through wind and rain, with blossoms and young shoots being the most vulnerable during full bloom. Infected flowers produce secondary inoculum, which continues the disease cycle. In warm and wet conditions, the fungus can also infect non-flowering shoots and leaves. Symptoms often remain unnoticed until fruit ripens, at which point the infection becomes visible, increasing the risk of spreading during harvest. Economically, Monilinia laxa poses a serious threat to fruit growers, as it can lead to significant yield losses and reduce the quality of harvested fruits. Effective management strategies, such as removing infected plant material and applying fungicides, are crucial to minimizing its impact on orchards.