Brown Rot Fungus: A Guide for Home Gardeners
Introduction
Brown rot fungus, caused by the fungus Monolinia fructicola, is a serious disease that can devastate stone fruit trees, such as nectarines, peaches, cherries, and plums. This article will provide a comprehensive guide for home gardeners on how to identify, prevent, and treat brown rot fungus.
Symptoms of Brown Rot Fungus
The first signs of brown rot fungus typically appear in spring with dying blossoms that turn mushy and form a grayish fuzzy spore mass on the branch. The fungus then enters the twig, causing cankers to form. When mature fruit is infected, it develops small brown rotted spots that rapidly spread, consuming the entire fruit within days.
Prevention of Brown Rot Disease
Prevention is key in managing brown rot disease. Home gardeners can take several steps to minimize the risk of infection:
- Sanitation: Remove all fruit from trees at the end of each harvest to prevent the fungus from overwintering. Burn any damaged fruit (mummies) and affected twigs. Rake and burn fallen fruit and twigs as well.
- Fungicide Application: Use fungicides regularly as directed for each specific fruit. Start treatment in early spring before flower buds appear and reapply every two to three weeks until the blossoms have faded. Resume applying fungicide when the fruits start to develop color, approximately two to three weeks before harvest.
- Pruning: Proper pruning is essential to promote air circulation and sunlight, which can help prevent fungal growth. Prune trees to allow for maximum airflow and sunlight penetration.
- Insect Control: Even small insect wounds can provide an entry point for the fungus. Implement insect control measures to protect trees from insect injury.
Treatment of Brown Rot Fungus
For trees that are already infected, treatment with a brown rot fungicide is the only course of action. Before applying the fungicide, remove all diseased fruit and twigs. Most all-purpose fruit tree fungicides are effective against brown rot disease.
Ongoing Brown Rot Control
Brown rot control is an ongoing process that involves all aspects of fruit development. By following these best practices, home gardeners can minimize the impact of brown rot fungus and maintain healthy fruit trees:
- Monitor Trees Regularly: Inspect trees frequently for signs of brown rot fungus and take immediate action if any symptoms are detected.
- Maintain Sanitation: Continue to remove and destroy infected fruit and twigs throughout the growing season.
- Apply Fungicides as Needed: Follow the fungicide application schedule and adjust as necessary based on weather conditions and disease pressure.
- Prune for Air Circulation: Regularly prune trees to promote good airflow and sunlight penetration, which can help prevent fungal growth.
- Control Insects: Implement insect control measures to prevent insect injury, which can create entry points for the fungus.
- Proper Harvesting Techniques: Harvest fruit carefully to avoid bruising or damaging the skin, which can increase the risk of infection.
By following these guidelines, home gardeners can effectively manage brown rot fungus and protect their fruit trees from this devastating disease.
