Integrated control of fungal rots of cherry in the UK
2017
Berrie, A. M. | Lower, K. | Saville, R.
Fungal rots cause significant losses in sweet cherries (Prunus avium) both pre- and postharvest. Losses can vary considerably (0-100%) depending on cultivar, seasonal weather, production system (use of rain covers), postharvest management and storage conditions. Surveys conducted to identify the main fungi responsible for rotting in cherries on 'Stella' and 'Colney' showed that preharvest Monilinia laxa was the most important fungal rot and responsible for, on average, 33% of losses. Monilinia fructigena, Botrytis cinerea, Mucor spp., Rhizopus spp., Colletotrichum sp., Venturia cerasi and Stigmina carpophila were also present but at much lower incidence. Postharvest, after 4 weeks storage in air at 0-2°C, followed by 7 days incubation at ambient temperature (approximately 20°C), losses due to rots averaged 83% in 'Stella' and 68% in 'Colney'. M. laxa, M. fructigena and B. cinerea were the main fungi responsible for losses, but Penicillium spp., Mucor spp., Rhizopus spp. and Colletotrichum sp were also recorded. Control measures are targeted at M. laxa, which causes blossom wilt and brown rot, and at M. fructigena which only infects fruit also causing brown rot. Trials were conducted to evaluate measures to eliminate or suppress overwintering inoculum on mummified fruit. Physical removal of mummified fruit from trees was most effective. Fungicide programmes based on pyraclostrobin + boscalid, fenhexamid and fenbuconazole, applied during blossom and/or preharvest, were compared for control of blossom wilt and brown rot. None of the programmes were completely effective in controlling rots, but the lowest incidence of rots was recorded in programmes based on pyraclostrobin + boscalid.
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