Biological control of postharvest brown rot (Monilinia spp.) of peaches by field applications of Epicoccum nigrum

Seven field experiments were carried out in peach orchards located in Spain, Italy, and France in 2001 and 2002 to develop an effective and practical method of controlling brown rot disease caused by Monilinia spp. by pre-harvest applications of Epicoccum nigrum treatments. Three trees (100 fruits), randomly selected in each orchard, were used as the sample unit and every treatment was repeated four times. Factors considered in each orchard and year to compare E. nigrum and/or fungicide pre-harvest application were the time of application, fresh or formulated cells, and dose. Fresh or formulated cells (10^6-7 conidia ml^-1) of E. nigrum need to be applied twice both at bloom and preharvest to reduce postharvest brown rot. Chemical fungicides reduced disease in French and Italian trials but not in a Spanish trial. Integrated control (biological and chemical) was efficient in controlling the pathogens. E. nigrum application, alone (applied 4 times) or in combination with fungicides can be considered in a disease control strategy for reducing fungicide treatments and residues. A further reduction of brown rot may be possible by a better formulation of the biological product and postharvest combined treatments.