Present status of strawberry fruit rot diseases in New Zealand

Abstract

The New Zealand strawberry industry experiences losses due to fungal diseases that can cost up to 44 million per annum or 20 of the crop value Disease control relies almost exclusively on applications of the fungicide captan During the 2003/2004 production season grower monitoring trials investigated the relative importance of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum) and leak (Rhizopus spp) in causing postharvest fruit rot The average fruit rot incidence (expressed per day) was 36 22 and 16 for grey mould leak and anthracnose respectively when ripe fruit was incubated at room temperature under high humidity In two grower trials and one replicated spray trial frequent captan applications did not reduce grey mould anthracnose or leak incidence compared to an unsprayed treatment Integrated management strategies for control of strawberry fruit rot diseases are urgently required for New Zealand strawberry growers