Asiatic brown fruit rot - Monilia polystroma

Monilia polystroma is the conidial form of an unknown apothecial ascomycete closely related to Monilinia fructigena, from which it has so far been distinguished by molecular means. Although M. fructigena and the other brown-rot species, M. fructicola and M. laxa, are known on various continents, Monilia polystroma was identified in Japan and initially known only in that country. A recent published report placed it in Hungary as well and there is unpublished data indicating that it occurs in China. This species may be widely distributed in Asia and perhaps Europe. In the absence of natural barriers, it may spread by means of airborne conidia. Long distance dispersal would most likely occur through infected planting stock or fruit. Monilia polystroma is a regulated pest for Canada while Monilinia fructigena is a regulated pest in the USA.