Brown Rot Control in Your Garden

Brown rot is a destructive disease of stone fruits. The fungus overwinters in mummified fruit which has either fallen to the ground or is still attached to the tree. Cankers on stems and spurs are another source of disease spores. At blossom time the fruiting bodies of the fungus develops toadstool-like structures which shed millions of spores. These spores will shed at the slightest disturbance.

Brown Rot of citrus is causes by various Phytophthora species which is a soil-inhabiting fungus-like (oomycetes) disease.

A clean-up spray of Mancozeb Plus Fungicide in winter helps to control brown rot, but should be followed by spraying with Mancozeb Plus Fungicide at full bloom, petal fall and then every three weeks until two weeks before harvest. Collect and destroy any fruit affected with Brown Rot.

Spray plants prior to the onset of autumn rains. If prolonged wet weather occurs, apply a second spray during the first period of fine weather.