Notes on Strawberry Diseases
Anthracnose fruit rot

Identification

Brown or black sunken circular lesions develop on green or ripe fruit. Salmon-coloured spore masses ooze from these lesions in humid conditions. Distinct, dark, sunken lesions may form on petioles, runners and crowns. These lesions may cause daughter plants to die, outer leaves to die prematurely or the plant may collapse from crown rot. Certain varieties, G19 for example, seem to be very susceptible.

Period of activity

The disease overwinters on infected plant debris. Spores may be present on symptomless plants. These spores are spread by rain splashed to bloom and fruit. Equipment and workers may also spread spores.

Even though spores may be present, anthracnose outbreaks are very weather dependent. Infection is favoured by splashed rain and warm humid weather, especially close to harvest. Day-neutral varieties and plants grown in plasticulture systems are more likely to be exposed to these conditions and are at higher risk of anthracnose than June-bearing varieties in matted rows.

Management notes

• Purchase plants from an accredited program.
  
• Remove infected fruit from the field during harvest.
  
• Work in infected fields last.
  
• Use straw mulch to reduce rain splash.
  
• Clean up crop debris between crops.
  
• Vigorous plants high in nitrogen seem to be more susceptible to this disease, so avoid over-use of nitrogen.
  
• Fungicides can be used to help manage this disease.
  
• Clean clothing and equipment after work in infested fields. Spores can survive for several weeks on clothing.
  

Learn more...

• Table 8-23. Effect of Fungicides on Strawberry Diseases
• Table 8-24. Strawberry Variety Disease Ratings
• Notes on Strawberry Diseases and Insects
• OMAFRA Publication 360 Strawberry Calendar (non-bearing)
• OMAFRA Publication 360 Strawberry Calendar (fruiting years)
• OMAFRA Publication 360 Fruit Production Recommendations
• OMAFRA Berry Crops Index page
  

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