What is Mayhaw Brown Rot: How to Treat a Mayhaw with Brown Rot Disease

The warmer, drier weather of spring can be disastrous for stone and pome fruit trees. Unchecked fungal diseases have the potential to spread widely. One such fungal disease to watch out for is brown rot of mayhaw. Mayhaw brown rot: what is it? Continue reading to find out how to treat mayhaw brown rot and the signs of an affected mayhaw.

Mayhaw Brown Rot: What Is It?

As previously mentioned, two fungi in the genus Monilinia—typically M. fructicola, but less frequently M. laxa—cause brown rot of mayhaw. Even though a healthy mayhaw with brown rot will definitely survive, it is still preferable to treat the disease as soon as possible because failure to do so may result in losses of up to 50%. The fungi that cause this disease are dispersed by the wind or by touching adjacent susceptible and infected plants. Insects drawn to the decaying fruit may also disperse the spores. Fruit that has wounds from insect feeding is more prone to infection.

Brown Rot of Mayhaw symptoms

Fortunately, brown rot in mayhaw trees is simple to recognize and cure. Brown spots on springtime blossoms are typically the first signs of brown rot. Eventually, the contaminated blooms will die off, frequently leaving a sticky film on the twigs that makes them vulnerable to further infections and twig dieback. A healthy tree may bear fruit, but as the fruit ages, it may get infected. Brown rotting patches cover the infected fruit. The fruit truly shrivels and dries up as the disease worsens, giving rise to what are known as “mummies.” Spores that are powdery and gray can be found on rotting fruit and mummies.

Brown Rot Control in Mayhaw

Brown rot develops in the wet, warm springtime months and can cause further losses after fruit is harvested if it is bruised, damaged, or kept in warm storage. It can hibernate in fruit that has been mummified and infected twigs. Fruit infection is irreversible once it occurs, so even though it’s not a fatal illness, it’s best to take action as soon as symptoms appear. Trim branches 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm) below dead tissue to treat infections. Next, bury or burn the affected areas, if you can. Between cuts, sanitize pruning shears in alcohol or a diluted bleach solution. Get rid of any rotting or mummified fruit from the property and remove and destroy any Prunus species to prevent infection in the future. Once more, bury them deeply or burn them if you can.

Pruning the tree to resemble a vase will allow more air and sunlight to penetrate, which will speed up the drying process of the fruit and foliage. Once more, remember to clean your pruning tools after each cut. Additionally, thin the fruit to prevent contact and the spread of the illness. Finally, if brown rot has previously affected other fruit trees in your landscape, make sure to apply a liquid concentrate or a natural copper-based fungicide in the spring before any symptoms show up. Make sure the fungicide is authorized for application on mayhaws. Regarding how often and when to use the product, read and abide by the manufacturer’s instructions.