Alternaria rot

Alternaria rot: Alternaria alternata (pome and stone fruits)
A. kikuchiana and A. mali (pome fruit)

Symptoms : spots are dry, firm and shallow;  injured tissue: skin blemishes or yellow dark coloured rot; grey mould colonised the core cavity and rot surrounding flesh


Biology: conidia are produced on plant debris and spread by rain and wind; weak pathogen but A. kikuchiana can invade healthy tissue

Management: careful handling during picking, washing, and packing
               Prompt storage and cooling is essential
              Warmer temperatures favour the rot development, therefore 32° to 40 °F temperature prevent spoilage