Monilinia fructicola is a fungal pathogen that primarily affects stone fruits, such as peaches, plums, and cherries. It causes a disease known as brown rot, which leads to the decay of fruit, especially during warm and humid conditions. The fungus can survive on mummified fruit and infected plant debris, making it a persistent threat to orchards. The spores of Monilinia fructicola are spread by wind and rain, infecting healthy fruit and flowers. Effective management includes proper sanitation, timely fungicide applications, and removing infected plant material to reduce the risk of outbreaks.