@article{Tshikhudo_Nnzeru_Munyai_2022, title={Monilinia fructicola intercepted on Prunus spp. imported from Spain into South Africa between 2010 and 2020}, volume={118}, url={https://sajs.co.za/article/view/12499}, DOI={10.17159/sajs.2022/12499}, abstractNote={<p>The international trade of plants and their products, such as fresh fruits, can facilitate the introduction and spread of foreign pests and diseases. We examined South Africa’s import of stone fruits (<em>Prunus </em>spp.) as a pathway for introducing <em>Monilinia fructicola </em>(G. Wint.) Honey and document recommended phytosanitary measures to deal with the risk associated with its exportation into the country<em>. </em>Fresh fruits of <em>Prunus</em> spp. are imported from various countries. The current study provides a report on 10 years (2010–2020) importation of <em>Prunus </em>spp. from Spain to South Africa with associated cases of <em>M. fructicola. </em>We also detail the current management measures for imported stone fruits from Spain to South Africa. We report 18 <em>M. fructicola </em>detections that were found during the study period. The number of detections presents enough trends to determine the level of phytosanitary concerns regarding the importation of <em>Prunus </em>spp. fresh fruit from Spain, which cannot be neglected. <em>M. fructicola </em>is an economically important brown rot on many fruit hosts and potentially threatens agricultural and horticultural industries, the environment, and biodiversity in South Africa. The importation of <em>Prunus </em>spp. requires intensive management strategies for <em>M. fructicola, </em>as pathogens may pose a major phytosanitary concern because it could thrive and reproduce in various environmental conditions and on various host plants in South Africa. Therefore, if <em>M. fructicola </em>establishes in South Africa, its impacts will have consequences for different key socioeconomic sectors, including the agricultural industry.</p> <p><strong>Significance:</strong></p> <ul> <li><em>Monilinia fructicola </em>is a pest of quarantine significance for South Africa.</li> <li>If not managed properly, the importation of <em>Prunus </em> with associated <em>M. fructicola </em>will be a significant phytosanitary concern that could cause severe economic impacts on the South African agricultural industry.</li> </ul>}, number={7/8}, journal={South African Journal of Science}, author={Tshikhudo, Phumudzo P. and Nnzeru, Livhuwani R. and Munyai, Thinandavha C.}, year={2022}, month={Jul.} }