Pestalotia an emerging disease of strawberries in the Southeast

Growers are beginning to prepare the ground for strawberry planting, which typically begins late in September and continues through mid-October – depending on the location in the state. Plants are ordered in June or July and plant shipments will correspond to the desired planting date.

When strawberry plant shipments arrive, it is important that growers inspect their plants immediately upon receiving them. Well-known diseases such as gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) and anthracnose (Colletotrichum sp.) can be present in strawberry plants when they arrive from the nursery.

Another disease to look out for in the Southeast is pestalotia – a leaf spot and fruit rot disease caused by the fungus Neopestalotiopsis sp. Neopestalotiopsis was first observed in Florida 1972 and was considered a secondary pathogen. However, recent outbreaks have been more severe, signifying that a more virulent strain of Neopestalotiopsis has emerged. In Florida, strawberry yield has been reduced considerably over the past few seasons due to this disease. Pestalotia was reported in Georgia for the first time in 2020 where it caused significant damage to the strawberry industry.

Pestalotia affects the roots, crown, leaves, and fruit of strawberry and can cause complete collapse of the plant (Figure 1). The disease thrives in rainy conditions in a temperature range of 50° F–86° F. The optimal temperature range is 77° F- 86° F. The decline and collapse of infected plants is similar to damage caused by phytophthora root and crown rot. The distinguishing characteristic of pestalotia is the fungal fruiting structures present on the surface of fruit and foliar lesions that resemble black pepper (Figures 2 and 3). The disease can remain in the field once it is introduced, an indication that it may overwinter on other host plants.

Pestalotia will cause lesions on leaves that are similar in appearance to those created by other diseases making it difficult to detect (Figure 4). Lesion formation can be severe. The fungus then begins to produce spores and spreads to the fruit where the fungus grows and produces more spores.

Little is known about this disease and there are few options for control. Research is underway to determine effective management options. Fludioxonil (Switch), Miravis Prime (Fludioxonil + Pydiflumetofen), and Thiram SC (Thiram) are fungicides that have had some measure of success in controlling pestalotia.

Tips to safeguard your strawberry season

• Inspect your plants as soon as they arrive. The disease can be present on plant material in nurseries. In fact, this is the primary source of infection. Be sure to purchase certified disease-free plants. If there are any symptoms on the plants that cause concern, consult professionals at your local Extension office. They can confirm a real problem and provide information to help you develop a course of action.
• Choose effective control methods. Current research suggests that Switch and Thiram are products registered for use in strawberries that have been the most effective against pestalotia in chemical trials. Applications of a suitable chemical prior to planting may reduce the fungal inoculum if it is present. If Switch is used, plant as early as possible to avoid stunting plant growth. If planting is to occur later, then avoid applying Switch to plants. Switch has also been used to prevent the spread of anthracnose. Be sure to consult the label of any product to ensure proper use. To prevent resistance, some products recommend limited applications through the season.
• Maintain a fungicide spray program throughout the season.
• Avoid harvesting when plants are wet. The moisture is an excellent vehicle in which to spread the disease. Consider harvesting later in the day, after the dew has evaporated to prevent spread of pathogens.
• Sanitary practices may be effective in controlling the disease. In the fall, scout for symptomatic leaves. Leaves showing symptoms of pestalotia should be removed from the field and destroyed.
• If the disease is found in your field, consider planting in another site. There is evidence that the disease remains in the soil in infected residual plant tissue and can infect newly planted strawberries the next season.

More Information

If you suspect you have pestalotia leaf spot and fruit rot, contact your Extension office and submit a sample as soon as possible to your local plant diagnostic lab: http://offices.aces.edu/plantlabauburn/.

– Edgar Vinson, Alabama A&M and Auburn University Extension

Photo at top: Pestalotia in a strawberry field. Photo: Alabama A&M and Auburn University Extension