Xenosphaeropsis rot of pear

The causative agent of this disease is the fungus Xenosphaeropsis pyriputrescens. It is a highly specialized pathogen classified among the mitosporic fungi, responsible for specific necrotic lesions on the fruits of pome crops, especially pears.

The primary hosts of this microorganism are fruit crops. The pathogen mainly targets pear fruits, leading to significant post-harvest losses during storage and transit. Primary infections typically occur in the orchard during the fruit maturation stage.

Typical symptoms include the appearance of dark, sunken lesions on the fruit skin, which expand rapidly over time. The flesh inside the infected area undergoes tissue softening, becomes watery, and develops a distinct odor associated with severe rot processes.

High humidity and moderate temperatures are the primary environmental drivers for fungal development. Spores are easily disseminated by wind, rain splashes, and insects that damage the fruit skin, providing entry points for the infection to penetrate the pulp.

Control measures rely on an integrated management approach:

• prompt harvesting and destruction of infected fruits;
• application of preventative fungicides during the growing season;
• maintenance of optimal storage conditions to limit decay;
• pest control to prevent mechanical injury to the fruit surface.