Monilinia
Monilinia is a genus of fungi known for causing significant diseases in fruit crops, particularly in stone fruits like cherries, peaches, and plums. These fungi thrive in warm, humid conditions and can lead to serious economic losses in agriculture due to their impact on fruit quality and yield.
The most common diseases caused by Monilinia include brown rot and blossom blight. Brown rot affects the fruit, causing it to rot and become mummified, while blossom blight targets the flowers, leading to reduced fruit set. Effective management strategies often involve cultural practices and fungicide applications to minimize the spread of these pathogens.