Mummy Berry of Blueberry Caused by Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi: A Diagnostic Guide

Abstract

Mummy berry is one of the most important fungal diseases of cultivated blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) worldwide causing yield losses of up to 70 to 85% and entire lot rejections. This disease is caused by the ascomycete fungus Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi and is controlled primarily using cultural practices and the prophylactic use of fungicides early in the growing season. This pathogen has multiple phases and, depending on the life cycle, varies in its difficulty to diagnose. This diagnostic guide provides details about the current taxonomy, host, geographic range, symptoms, and signs, as well as effective techniques to aid pathogen identification, evaluation, isolation, and storage for M. vaccinii-corymbosi.