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Rhizome Rot of Strawberry
Phytophthora cactorum
Fungus
5 mins to read
In a Nutshell
- Leaves turn brown, starting with the heart leaves.
- Withering and die off eventually.
- Rotten spots appear in roots.
- Only single plants in larger plantation are affected.
Can also be found in
Other
Symptoms
After an infection with Rhizome rot, single leaves start to turn brown. Starting with the heart leaves, the aerial plant parts wither and finally die off. Inside the root, you can find clearly delimited, red brown, rotten spots. These are causing the disruption of the plants water provision. The symptoms of Rhizome Rot appear in spring, very soon after blossom. Healthy plants growing in the immediate neighborhood of infected plants, which is typical for the disease. In warm spring weather, first losses appear after 4-6 weeks.
Recommendations
Organic Control
No direct treatment is possible. Apply preventive measures to avoid infection.
Chemical Control
Always consider an integrated approach with preventive measures together with biological treatments if available. Apply Mefenoxam and Metalaxyl by drip irrigation to contaminated areas to prevent reinfections.
What caused it?
The Rhizome Rot pathogen is a fungus (Phytophthora cactorum) that can survive in the soil for years. Its zoospores depend on free water to spread and are be distributed by splashing water. Waterlogging is a common source of Root Rot fungus infection.
Preventive Measures
- Plant in well-drained areas.
- Avoid overwatering.
- Avoid direct contact of leaves or fruits with the soil.
- Use wood wool or straw as underlays.
- Do not plant in contaminated areas.
- Use resilient varieties.
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