Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Monilinia fructicola. This image shows dried out hyphae and collapsed fungal spores on an infected plum. M. fructicola overwinters in or on mummified fruit,or in infected tissues on trees,such as twigs,peduncles and cankers on branches. Conidia produced under humid conditions in spring are wind-dispersed and,in the presence of moisture,will infect blossoms,causing blossom blight. Infected fruits normally mummify,but if infection occurs at or near harvest,a significant part of the crop is lost to the fungus. (Enhanced SEM. Microscope magnification: 2000x,image width: 64 micrometers.) |