What is Monilia?
La moniliosis It lends itself as a cryptogamic disease of fruit trees, especially of genus Prunus, generated by two species called Monilia fructigena, which generally affects seed fruits, and Monilia laxa, which, in contrast, attacks drupe fruits.
This fungus is found during the winter in the form of mycelium (vegetative part) in the shoots, mummified fruits and infected branches, its conidia (asexual spores) being dispersed mainly by rainwater causing infection in new flowers, shoots and buds, said conidia germinating on the stigma of the flowers., penetrating and drying, if the incidence and severity of cankers on branches increases, which can hinder the circulation of sap.
The weather, therefore, in these phenological states susceptible to attack, plays a determining factor in the levels of incidence and severity at this time of year, if the circumstances are favorable for its development: mild temperatures (between 15 and 20ºC) and, above all, high environmental humidity during flowering as a result of persistent rain, dew or fog, such as the conditions we are encountering at the end of mid and end of March.
How to identify Monilia?
The fruits begin to wrinkle, then dehydrate and mummify without shedding and with the subsequent appearance of cankers, as we have mentioned.
If the infection occurs during flowering periods, it will be detected by the darkening of the flowers.
Principles to control Monilia
- Precautionary measures: Prune and destroy infected branches and fruits, recommending such pruning in summer and paying special attention to ensure that the crops do not have any wounds.
- curative measures: It is important to apply fungicides and fungistatic agents to flowering clusters, since they are the first organs susceptible to attack, preventing major problems such as the formation of cankers or mummification.
Cultifort solutions for the alleviation of Monilia:
CultiSilk a solution potassium to silicon and amino acids which strengthens plant growth and its resistance to environmental factors. Improves cellular structure, increases photosynthesis and resistance to water, heat and biotic stress. Its use prevents Lodging in cereals, fungal diseases and sucking insect attacks. In addition, it strengthens the plants' ability to withstand strong winds, heavy rains and chemical stress.
Applications
Apply preventively before critical moments of fungal attack. Repeat 2-3 times.
Bibliography contracted for effectiveness in case it is of interest to put it based on demonstration of the effect of reducing monilia genera with silicon
Biel, K. and Matichenkov, V. 2008. Protective role of silicon in living systems. Functional foods for chronic diseases, Ed. D. Martirosian, D & A Inc., Richardson, TX, pp. 208–231.
BUSTOS, G. 2017. Effect of a silicon-based compound on the phytosanitary management of the CCN-51 cocoa crop. Agricultural Engineering thesis, University of the Armed Forces.
SOURCES AND LEVELS OF SILICON IN INCREASING COCOA (Theobroma cacao L.) CROP YIELD AND REDUCING THE INCIDENCE OF MONILIASIS.
QUERO, E. 2006. Silicon in plant protection, protection and nutrition of fruits and vegetables. Mexico, 550 p.