Monilinia fructigena

Monilinia fructigena is an ascomycete fungus that, in its anamorphic stage (presented here), attacks the ripe fruits of various fruit trees. It is easily recognisable by forming pustule-like tufts that sometimes form concentric rings on the parasitised fruit. These pustules are initially whitish, subsequently turning greyish-brown when the conidia are mature.

Unlike other species of its genus, it only infects fruits in their ripe stage, either once they have fallen to the ground or even on the tree before falling.

We have found and studied it on two occasions: once on pear fruits (Pyrus communis) in the municipality of Erandio (Biscay) and, recently, parasitising quince fruits (Cydonia oblonga) in the town of Orduña (Biscay).