Monilia on fruit trees: how to sustainably prevent Monilia laxa and Monilia fructigena

The Brown rot represents one of the most widespread and feared problems in numerous tree crops, especially during the flowering, fruit setting, and ripening stages. Specifically, pathogens such as Brown rot and Monilia fructigena can compromise both the quality and quantity of production, causing significant economic damage.

In recent years, the increasingly unstable climatic conditions have also favoured an increase in the pressure of these fungal problems, especially in the presence of high humidity, frequent rainfall, and significant temperature fluctuations.

For this reason, it is crucial today to adopt preventive agronomic strategies, aimed not only at containing the problem but also at naturally strengthening the microbiological balance of the plant and soil.

We at MS Biotech develop innovative solutions designed to support the beneficial microflora of the vegetation and promote the natural biological balance of the crop, helping to create conditions less favourable for the development of stress and fungal problems.

What is brown rot of fruit trees

The thrush It is a Fungal infection which mainly affects:

• stone fruits such as peaches, apricots, cherries and plums;
• pome fruit trees such as apple and pear trees;
• other fruit crops that are particularly sensitive to humidity.

The main factors responsible are Brown rot and Monilia fructigena, two fungi that can attack flowers, shoots, branches and fruit.

The problem tends to arise particularly during periods of high humidity and poor ventilation, conditions that encourage the spread of fungal spores.

Difference between Monilia laxa and Monilia fructigena

Although they are often broadly referred to as “monilia”, there are some differences between these two forms.

Brown rot

Brown rot It mainly affects flowers and young shoots. The most common symptoms include:

• browning of the flowers;
• wilting of the shoots;
• necrosis of young branches;
• premature shedding.

The flowering stage is particularly vulnerable because the fungus can easily penetrate the plant tissues.

Monilia fructigena

Monilia fructigena, on the other hand, is more commonly associated with fruit rot.

The most obvious symptoms are:

• the appearance of circular rot;
• brownish spots on the fruit;
• gradual decomposition of the pulp;
• the formation of typical spore-forming colonies.

The risk increases particularly where there is damage, hail damage or cracks in the fruit.

Why prevention is essential

Once established, monilia can spread rapidly within the orchard, particularly under favourable environmental conditions.

For this reason, it is important to adopt a preventive approach, using sound agronomic practices and organic strategies designed to maintain the plant’s physiological balance.

Preventive management may include:

• improved ventilation of the canopy;
• humidity control;
• proper nutritional management;
• reduction in vegetative stress;
• support for the plant’s beneficial microbiota.

Nowadays, more and more farms are realising the importance of not just tackling the problem, but above all of promoting the microbiological balance of the crop.

The importance of bacterial microflora on vegetation

The vegetation naturally supports a large number of useful micro-organisms which help maintain the plant’s biological balance.

When this microbiota is in balance, the culture tends to develop greater resilience to environmental and biological stresses.

On the contrary, microbiological imbalances can create conditions that are more conducive to the development of fungal problems.

For this reason, the rebalancing of microflora represents an increasingly interesting strategy within modern agronomic programmes.

NOVIDIUM: microbiological support for vegetation and soil

To support the microbiological rebalancing of the culture, we at MS Biotech have developed NOVIDIUM, a specific formulation based on:

• Glomus spp.;
• rhizosphere bacteria;
• MICRO ACTIVE COMPLEX technology.

NOVIDIUM It has been developed to promote the rebalancing of the bacterial microflora on the vegetation, especially in the presence of fruit.

Distributed on vegetation, the product contributes to the natural production of biostimulant substances, promoting the correct physiological balance of the plant.

One of the most interesting aspects of NOVIDIUM is its dual function: in addition to its application on vegetation, the product can also be used to repopulate and regenerate soil microflora.

This allows for simultaneous work on both the aerial parts and the microbiological balance of the rhizosphere.

Healthy soil and balanced plant

Very often, fungal problems are not solely dependent on the pathogen, but also on the General cultivation conditions.

Indeed, soil that is poor from a microbiological perspective or a plant subjected to continuous stress tends to be more vulnerable.

For this reason, it is essential today to adopt an integrated approach that aims to:

• enhance useful microbiology;
• improve vegetative balance;
• to promote efficient nutrition;
• reduce environmental stress;
• maintain the biological fertility of the soil.

A more sustainable approach in modern fruit farming

Modern agriculture requires increasingly sustainable and quality-oriented strategies.

Farms are called upon to produce healthy, high-quality fruit while simultaneously reducing environmental impact and improving the overall health of the soil-plant system.

In this context, microbiological support represents an extremely interesting tool for guiding the culture towards a more stable and natural balance.

Through innovative solutions such as NOVIDIUM, at MS Biotech, we help farms improve the microbiological management of vegetation and soil, fostering more balanced and sustainable production.

To receive further information about our products dedicated to agricultural microbiology and fruit crop support, you can contact the MS Biotech team.