Population dynamics of Epicoccum nigrum, a biocontrol agent against brown rot in stone fruit

To study the population dynamics of Epicoccum nigrum on peaches and nectarines and to enhance its colonization on fruit surfaces to improve its biocontrol efficacy against brown rot. Twelve surveys were performed to study E. nigrum populations and their effect on the number of the pathogenic Monilinia spp. conidia in peach orchards in Spain and Italy between 2002 and 2005. Fresh conidia and five different formulations of E. nigrum conidia were applied three to six times to peach and nectarine trees from full flowering to harvest. The size of the E. nigrum populations was determined from the number of colony-forming units and conidial numbers per flower or fruit. Treatment with all conidial formulations increased the size of the indigenous conidial population on peach surfaces. Formulations of E. nigrum having high viability are most effective against conidia of the pathogen when applied at pit hardening and during the month immediately before fruit harvest. Application of an E. nigrum conidial formulation decreased the number of conidia of Monilinia spp. on fruit surfaces during the growing season to the same extent as fungicides.