Biological efficiency of experimental biopreparations against a complex of fungal diseases of cherries in Moscow Oblast

Cherry (Prunus cerasus) is one of the most important stone fruit crops, but its productivity is significantly limited by a range of fungal diseases, the most economically significant of which are moniliosis (Monilinia spp.), leaf blight of cherry (Blumeriella jaapii), and shoot blight of cherry (Thyrostroma carpophilum, synonym Wilsonomyces). This paper presents the results of field studies conducted in 2024–2025 at the All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center in Moscow Oblast, using small-plot trials on the Belye Zhuravli cherry variety. The biological effectiveness of protective measures using experimental biopreparations based on the Bacillus pumilus BZR483 and B. amyloliquefaciens BZR924 strains was assessed. The use of the preparations significantly reduced the development of leaf blight and shoot blight of cherry compared to the control under conditions of a high infection load (2024). Biological effectiveness against leaf blight of cherry was 28.3% (BZR483) and 51.1% (BZR924). The effectiveness reached 21.1% (BZR483) and 61.9% (BZR924) Against leaf blight of cherry in 2024.

Moreover, in 2025, under conditions of a low infectious background, the development of leaf blight of cherry was reliably reduced only with the use of BZR924, the biological effectiveness was 56.5%, the development of shoot blight of cherry was sporadic.

A product based on the B. amyloliquefaciens strain BZR924 demonstrated higher and more stable activity against both diseases. These results demonstrate the potential for further research into the impact of an experimental bioproduct based on the BZR924 strain on the development of fungal pathogens in biologized and integrated cherry protection systems.

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