Brown rot
Monilinia spp.
What is Brown rot (monilinia ssp)?
Brown rot, caused by the fungal pathogen Monilinia spp., is a common plant disease that affects a wide range of fruit trees, particularly stone fruits such as peaches, plums, cherries, and apricots worldwide. It is characterized by the development of brown, shrivelled, and rotting fruit with a fuzzy, tan-colored fungal growth on the surface. Brown rot can cause significant yield losses in orchards and can spread rapidly under warm and humid conditions.
How does Brown rot (monilinia ssp) occur?
The disease occurs when the fungal pathogen enters fruit trees through wounds or direct contact with infected material or airborne spores. It thrives in warm and humid conditions. The fungus can infect fruit through wounds, such as insect bites, cracks, or bruises, or by direct contact with infected plant material. Once the fungus enters the fruit, it rapidly spreads, causing the fruit to rot and develop a fuzzy fungal growth. Spores produced by the fungus can be carried by wind, rain, or insects to infect other fruit or nearby trees, leading to further spread of the disease.
Symptoms
1 - Plant Health Impact
Brown rot weakens affected trees, causing defoliation, twig dieback, and potential tree death if untreated.
2 - Soil Contamination
• Infected fruit falling to the ground contaminates the soil, with decaying fruit and spores becoming a potential source of future infections. • Decomposition of infected fruit and plant debris consumes nutrients and organic matter, reducing soil fertility and nutrient availability.
3 - Economic Consequences
Brown rot results in unsellable fruit, reduced crop yields, financial losses for growers, and additional costs for disease management.
Solutions
1 - Cultural Control
• Choose resistant varieties which are less likely to contact the disease and can reduce the risk of an outbreak. • Remove and destroy infected plant parts to break the disease life cycle and prevent it from causing significant harm. • Prune fruit trees to promote good air circulation and sunlight penetration. This will help to reduce humidity and prevent the fungus from spreading. • Harvest fruit when it is fully ripe and remove any infected fruit immediately to prevent the disease from spreading. • Remove any infected plant material from the orchard and dispose of it properly.
3 - Chemical Control
To prevent and control this fungal disease in fruit trees, use fungicides like Captan, Myclobutanil, Thiophanate-methyl, and Propiconazole. Copper fungicides and sulfur powders can be applied weekly, while Tanglefoot® Pruning Sealer is used to seal cuts and wounds. Organocide® Plant Doctor and Bonide® Orchard Spray are eco-friendly options that can be applied as foliar sprays. Consult with a professional to determine the best treatment option for brown rot, follow the instructions provided by the fungicide manufacturer carefully, and spray all parts of the plant thoroughly, especially new shoots.
Susceptible Species
FAQ
Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?
Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.
How often should you water indoor plants?
Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.
Can my monstera plant get root rot?
Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.
Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?
No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.
What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?
If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.
Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?
Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.
Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?
Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.
Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?
No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.
