At a Glance
- Brown rot is a fungal disease affecting cherries and other soft fruits.
- Infections appear as brown, circular lesions and can develop raised grey spores on fruit.
- Fruit with brown rot can contaminate entire boxes at harvest and during storage.
- The disease overwinters in mummified fruit and tree cankers.
- Wet conditions favour spore release and infection of new tissue.
- The BC DAS system helps growers assess brown rot risk and plan timely protection actions.
Why Is Brown Rot a Problem?
Brown rot in cherries, caused by the fungus Monilinia fructicola, affects the tissue of soft fruits, including cherries. Early symptoms often appear as areas of brown discoloration on the fruit, frequently in circular patterns. As the infection progresses, grey spores can develop and appear raised on the fruit surface.
The presence of brown rot is a serious concern because infected fruit not only deteriorates quickly but can also contaminate neighbouring fruit. At harvest and during packing, a small amount of infected fruit can lead to the rapid spread of rot within boxes or bins, resulting in significant losses.
Where Does Brown Rot Come From?
Brown rot overwinters in cherry orchards primarily on mummified fruit that remains on the tree or on the orchard floor, as well as in tree cankers. Under wet conditions, spores are released and can settle on new and developing plant tissue.
Although fruit may appear sound when processed at the packinghouse, washing and cooling do not remove the fungus from infected fruit. Once packaged, brown rot can continue to develop, allowing spores to proliferate and spread within packed fruit boxes.
How the BC DAS System Helps
The BC DAS system provides growers with information on the current risk of brown rot based on their specific geographic location. By using temperature data and tracking wetness events, the system helps identify periods when brown rot risk is elevated and when protective action may be needed.
For BC DAS outputs to be most effective, growers are encouraged to combine model information with observations from their own orchards throughout the growing season. This integrated approach supports more informed decision making and helps reduce the risk of losses due to brown rot.
Planning Brown Rot Protection
The DAS Spray Guide includes spray options, rates, and timing information to support brown rot management. Growers can use the guide to plan coverage and to view products registered for both conventional and organic use.
By following the BC DAS Cherry Brown Rot model and associated tools, growers have access to timely information and practical resources to help protect their crop from brown rot throughout the season.
Learn More (Video)
Interested in learning more? Check out the BC DAS Cherry Brown Rot model video on YouTube to see how field observations and horticultural knowledge connect with the online DAS system.