Which pathogen class does brown rot belong to?

Brown rot is a specific type of fungal disease that primarily affects fruit trees, particularly stone fruits like peaches and plums, and is caused by fungi in the class Ascomycetes. This class is characterized by fungi that produce ascospores in a specialized sac-like structure, known as an ascus.

In the case of brown rot, the primary pathogen responsible is Monilinia spp., which belongs to the Ascomycetes. These fungi thrive in moist conditions and can spread rapidly, particularly during flowering and fruit maturation periods. The ascospores are released and can infect fruits, leading to the characteristic brown, decayed appearance.

Understanding the role of Ascomycetes in brown rot helps emphasize the importance of monitoring for these pathogens and implementing disease management strategies in agricultural practices.