Brown rot disease management on peaches in Italy (Emilia Romagna region)

Abstract

Brown rot caused by Monilinia spp. is the major post-harvest disease of stone fruits worldwide. Pathogen control is challenging due to the high adaptability of pathogen to the climate, high inoculum potential and broad range of hosts. The Monilinia species distribution on stone fruits orchards in Emilia Romagna has been monitored from 2012 to 2017 and stressed the prevalence of M. fructicola during fruit development. In more than 20 years of field trials, the activity of different plant protection products normally applied as pre-harvest treatment has been evaluated in different timing application schedules. According to our research, in order to guarantee protection of peach fruit during storage and shelf life, we were able to determine the effectiveness of each fungicide. Additional post-harvest chemical treatments or alternative means (such as thermotherapy) were assayed to achieve higher level of disease control. Limitation imposed by the Large Scale Distribution are often in contrast with the risk of pathogen resistance development. Taking this into account, we also tested the sensitivity of a number of Monilina strains isolated in field towards the main fungicides used in fiel