Although the term mummification almost automatically leads us to think of the Egypt of the pharaohs, the truth is that it also refers to something that happens to the fruits of plants. This is a fairly common problem, and also a very serious one, since it is difficult to eliminate the disease when the symptoms become visible.
And it is that these microorganisms first attack from inside the vessels - they would be something like the equivalent of our veins - of the plants, which is usually fatal for them by weakening them a lot. But… Can preventive measures be taken to protect crops from mummification?
What is the mummification of the fruits?
Image - Wikimedia / Ninjatacoshell // View of Monilia spores through a microscope.
Mummification (in botany) is a symptom caused by fungi of the genus Monilinia, which is why the disease is known as moniliosis. Specifically, there are two species that affect crops: Monilinia fructigena, which damages the seed fruits such as almonds; and the lax Monilinia which has a preference for drupe-type fruits such as apples. The most admired trees in ancient Egypt.
Although all plants do everything their evolution dictates to protect their fruits, there is nothing they can do to prevent them from the possible damage that can be caused by an unexpected hailstorm, or by insects or other animals when they try to eat them.
The fungi multiply by spores -they would be their seeds-, and those are tiny, almost invisible. In fact, we only see them well through a magnifying glass or a microscope. In addition, they are extremely light; they do not need more than a breeze to be transferred to other parts. If they fall on a fruit that has been damaged, for whatever reason, even if it only has a micro-cut, it will infect it.
What are the symptoms of moniliosis?
Once the fruit has become ill, one of the first symptoms that we will notice is that a brown stain will form with rounded white spots spread over the entire surface. From here on, it is normal for it to fall from the tree, but this will not be the case. It will be a mummified fruit, which will remain hanging from the branch until something (the wind for example) or someone pulls it off.
The appearance it gives to the plant is sad, despite the fact that the rest of the parts of the plant remain intact. Perhaps you could see that the flowers blacken and fall, but in general the tree will be healthy ... except for moniliosis.
What plants does it affect?
Image - Wikimedia / Aroche
Unfortunately, fruit mummification is a common problem that affects all species of the botanical families Rosaceae and Ericaceae. Some examples are:
- Apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca)
- Almond tree (Almond)
- Cherry (Prunus avium)
- Plum (Prunus domestica)
- Apple tree (Malus domestica)
- Peach tree (Prunus)
- Quince (Cydonia)
Treatment of monilia in fruit trees
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Prevention is better than cure, so let's see what are the most effective preventive measures against mummification of fruits:
Do not prune unless necessary
Fungal spores only need a micro-cut to reach the interior of plants. Therefore, pruning is not recommended unless absolutely necessary; that is, if you need to cut dry or diseased branches, for example, or if a complicated transplant has involved extensive root manipulation. in the event that pruning is required, disinfected pruning tools should be used. It is important to disinfect tools before and after use. Also, it is worth sealing the wounds with healing paste. In this way, the risk of contagion is minimized.
Buy healthy plants
If you go to a nursery with the intention of buying fruit trees and it happens that they have some fruits, make sure they are healthy, both they and the rest of the parts of the plants. Do not hesitate to inspect the leaves, flowers, trunk well… Take the pot - if possible - and take a look at its base: if the roots are sticking out, it's a good sign, as it will mean that it has taken root correctly and that when it is transplanted, it will have fewer problems resuming its growth.
Discard those that have symptoms of pests or disease, such as chewed, dried, or rolled leaves; yellow, white, brown or black spots on leaves and / or fruits; lumps on the trunk that shouldn't be there, and so on.
Band Aid
There are no curative treatments for monilia, hence I have italicized curative. What yes there can be is to treat with fungicides inhibitors of ergostol biosynthesis (called IBS fungicides) the flowers and the fruits. It is necessary to follow the instructions specified on the package to avoid the risk of overdose.
We hope it has been useful to you .