Spatial distribution of Monilinia fructicola and M. laxa in stone fruit production areas in Western Australia

Abstract

In 2016 and 2017, 90 fungal isolates were collected from Prunus species exhibiting symptoms of brown rot disease at 12 sites in stone fruit production areas in Western Australia. ITS region analysis showed that 49 isolates belonged to Monilinia laxa and 34 to M. fructicola, species that cause brown rot in stone fruit. The two species were spatially separated to the south of the Perth Hills region, where only M. laxa was found, and to the north of Perth Hills where only M. fructicola was found. The two species co-existed only in the Perth Hills. The implications for control and trade are discussed, as is the need to implement biosecurity guidelines to prevent mixing of the two species where currently only one exists.