Monilinia fructicol, Monilinia laxa (Monilinia Rot, Brown Rot)

Monilinia spp. causing brown rot is a fungal pathogen producing severe losses in worldwide stone fruit production, with high economic relevance (M€ 1.7/year). There are three main fungal species: Monilinia laxa, M. fructigena and M. fructicola. The pathogen infects aerial parts of host plants with a variety of symptoms, including blighting of blossoms, cankers on woody tissues and rotting of fruits, although the prevalent fruit losses are in the postharvest phase. Fungicide sprays in pre and postharvest periods are usually used to control Monilinia spp., but in Europe no fungicide fruit treatments are allowed after harvest. Many studies conducted in recent years have defined three main research fields within the alternative methods for postharvest brown rot control: i) biological control sensu strictum with microbial antagonists, ii) use of natural bioactive compounds and iii) use of physico-chemical methods. Although the reviewed results have reported a significant reduction of pesticide use, recommend a multidisciplinary approach in the future, where biological products will be combined with low risk chemical fungicides, natural antimicrobial substances and other physical means for an integrated strategy to control brown rot.