Detection of Monilinia spp. by a multiplex real-time PCR assay and first report of Monilinia fructicola in South Tyrol (northern Italy)

Abstract Brown rot decay of stone and pome fruit caused by Monilinia spp. is an economically important disease. The main pathogens in Italy are the indigenous species laxa M. fructigena, invasive fructicola . presence was reported for first time 2008 Cuneo, Piedmont. Further records showed that spread established rapidly other regions Italy. In South Tyrol, Europe's largest contiguous apple-growing area, cultivation increasingly agricultural branch small-holder farmers mountainous areas. Up to now, it unknown if present how fructigena distributed. Therefore, plant protection strategies were applied without knowledge orchards. To detect three on trees determine their distribution, samples mummies taken from scattered sweet cherry A multiplex real-time PCR mummies. results Tyrol locations predominant species, followed