Mahaleb Cherry: Aromatic Plant

Monilinia is a genus of ascomycete fungi that causes blossom blight and brown rot in fruit trees. It spreads most rapidly in cool, wet weather, particularly during the bloom period. Symptoms include flowers that turn brown and remain attached to the shoots, small tan spots on fruit that expand into gray-beige spore rings (sporodochia), twig dieback, and 'mummified' fruit that shrivels and often persists on the tree. It primarily affects stone fruits (peach, nectarine, apricot, plum, cherry) but can also infect pome fruits such as apple and pear.

Serious bacterial disease affecting stone fruits and tomatoes caused by Pseudomonas syringae or Clavibacter michiganensis. Creates sunken lesions that ooze sap.

Taphrina deformans is a fungal disease that primarily affects peaches and nectarines (commonly known as peach leaf curl). The fungus overwinters on twigs and in bud scales, infecting young leaves during damp, cool weather in early spring. It is characterized by thickened, puckered, red-to-yellow discolored, and severely curled leaves. Shoots may become distorted and leaves may drop prematurely; fruits can also develop spots or deformities. Apricots and almonds can occasionally be affected, though less frequently.

Taphrina pruni is a fungal pathogen that causes 'pocket plum' or 'plum pockets' in Prunus species, including plums, damsons, and blackthorn. It infects flowers and young fruit during cool, wet spring weather. The primary symptom is the development of distorted, enlarged, hollow fruit without a stone; these appear pale or yellowish, feel spongy, and may later develop a whitish, powdery fungal coating. Affected fruit typically drop prematurely. While leaves and shoots are usually less affected, severe infections can significantly reduce the season's crop yield.