1. A fungal genus that causes diseases in plants and fruits, characterized by gray mold or rot.
Usage: mycology; agriculture; also called Monilinia in modern taxonomy
2. A fungal infection or disease caused by fungi of the genus Monilia, affecting fruits, flowers, and other plant parts.
Usage: plant pathology

Examples

• The orchard suffered from monilia, which destroyed much of the apple crop.
• Monilia spores spread rapidly in warm, humid conditions.
• Farmers use fungicides to prevent monilia infections on stone fruits.
• The brown rot on the peach was caused by monilia.
• Monilia can affect blossoms, twigs, and fruit throughout the growing season.