Biology, epidemiology

• Storage and sources of inoculum  

The conservation of Monilia spp. is ensured by their conidia and their mycelium which are present in the attacked branches of the fruit trees or on the rotten or mummified fruits present on the trees or the ground. The numerous fruit species that host these fungi ensure their conservation and multiplication.

Note that the form Monilinia (sexual reproduction) is rare and is characterized by the appearance of apothecia in early spring on rotten fruits on the ground and on those mummified on the tree.

• Host penetration and invasion

The infections on berries seem to take place at maturity, probably through micro-wounds in particular. Once in place in the berries, the mycelium of these fungi deeply penetrates the tissues and degrades them. The berries rot and eventually slowly mummify.

• Sporulation and dissemination

These fungi sporulate easily on the surface of berries and mummies in the form of downy conidiferous pads, the color of which varies according to the host and the fungal species: tawny for M. fructigena, and gray for M. laxa .
Their conidia, more rarely their ascospores resulting from apothecia, are disseminated by the action of the wind, but also by splashing water or its regenerated during rains.

• Factors influencing development  

Humidity is very favorable to the development of M. laxa and M. fructigena , hot and humid summers are very favorable to moniliosis. Temperature does not seem to be a limiting factor in development. Conidia tolerate low temperatures well and are still produced at 10 ° C. During the spring, late frosts, hail, persistent fog, thunderstorms and strong winds are favorable to the production of conidia and their germination.
Wounds on fruits of all kinds (micro bursts, insect bites, galleries), damage from other fungi sensitize berries to Monilia spp ..