Cherry Blossom Wilt
Cherry Blossom Wilt (Monilinia fructicola, Monilinia laxa) is most common following periods of rail or dew combined with warm temperatures. Infection normally starts with blossom and then progresses to the twig killing blossoms spurs and associated leaves.
Cherries become susceptible to monilinia species again later in the season when the fruit begins to colour. Any defects are exploited by the disease such as cracks following periods of rain.
The disease is easily identified by the presence of brown powdery growth on the fruit surface