Occurrence of mummy berry associated with huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum) caused by Monilinia spp. in Oregon

In this Short Communication we describe the occurrence of mummy berry associated with huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum) caused by Monilinia spp. in Oregon. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a Monilinia spp. associated with mummy berry of huckleberry in Oregon. Sequence data from our specimens reveal the closest identity was Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi, a pathogen of commercial blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). This may be a new species of Monilinia, not previously reported on huckleberry, and further investigation is needed. Of specific importance, the huckleberry holds cultural importance as a sacred First Food of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and other Pacific Northwest tribes. While plant pathogen management in natural landscapes presents unique challenges, we will work with tribal authorities to understand if cultural management techniques may mitigate yield loss due to Monilinia spp.