Protection and Prevention of Strawberry Plant Diseases and Pests

What are the main diseases and pests that affect strawberries, and how can they be prevented?

Strawberry plants are susceptible to several common diseases and pests:

Diseases :

  • Botrytis (gray mold) : This fungus causes brown spots on fruit, which eventually rot. To prevent this disease, be sure to space plants well to improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering that wets leaves and fruit, and remove infected fruit immediately.
  • Powdery Mildew : This fungus appears as a white coating on leaves and stems, causing deformation and reduced photosynthesis. Prevent powdery mildew by using resistant varieties, applying preventative fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil, and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization.
  • Verticillium : This fungal disease attacks the vascular system of plants, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. Crop rotation and planting resistant varieties, such as San Andreas and Ventana, are effective preventative measures.
  • Macrophomina phaseolina : This fungal disease causes leaf wilt and symptoms similar to verticillium wilt. Prevention: Use healthy propagation material, remove affected plant parts, and practice strict hygiene measures.
  • Phytophthora cactorum : This disease causes deep brown spots on fruit and drying out of plants. Prevention: Use healthy plants, avoid soggy soil, and apply phosphoric acid treatments.

Pests:

  • Aphids : These insects suck the sap from plants, weakening strawberry plants. Use natural predators like ladybugs or neem oil sprays to control them.
  • Spider mites : These small mites cause yellow spots on leaves. To prevent them, promote adequate humidity and use organic miticides if necessary.
  • Drosophila suzukii (spotted-winged fruit fly) : Larvae develop inside fruit, rendering it inedible. Use netting to protect plants and vinegar traps to monitor and reduce populations.
  • Anthonomus rubi (strawberry weevil) : These beetles lay their eggs in flower buds, destroying them. Prevention: Reduce the number of inflorescences in cases of low infestation and grow profusely flowering varieties away from wooded areas.
  • Otiorhynchus sulcatus (vine weevil) : The larvae of these beetles feed on roots, causing significant damage. Prevention: Avoid growing crops on infested land and use nematodes to control them.

What are the biological control methods for strawberry pests?

Biological control involves using living organisms to control pest populations. Here are some effective methods for strawberry plants:

  • Ladybugs : They are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced into crops to reduce infestations.
  • Beneficial nematodes : These microscopic worms parasitize and kill the larvae of soil-dwelling pests such as root weevils. They can be applied to the soil around plants.
  • Trichogramma : These small wasps parasitize the eggs of insect pests, preventing them from hatching.
  • Neem and Canola Oils : These natural oils act as repellents and insecticides by smothering pests or disrupting their growth. They are effective against aphids, spider mites, and other harmful insects.

How can I manage fungal diseases in a strawberry crop?

Management of fungal diseases in strawberries relies on a combination of cultural practices and preventive treatments:

  • Using resistant varieties : Choosing strawberry varieties that are resistant to major fungal diseases like powdery mildew and verticillium wilt is a crucial first step.
  • Crop rotation : Alternating strawberries with crops not susceptible to the same diseases, such as broccoli, can reduce disease pressure in the soil.
  • Maintain good hygiene : Regularly remove plant debris and rotten fruit that can harbor fungal spores. Disinfect gardening tools to prevent the spread of pathogens.
  • Applying biological fungicides : Use products containing sulfur, copper, or Bacillus subtilis to prevent and treat fungal infections. These fungicides should be applied preventatively or at the first sign of infection.
  • Moisture management : Ensure plants are well spaced to promote air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize moisture on leaves and fruit, reducing the risk of foliar diseases such as gray mold and powdery mildew.


Which strawberry varieties are most disease resistant?

The Rumba and Malwina varieties are particularly resistant to several common strawberry diseases.

  • Rumba : This variety is renowned for its robustness and vigor. It shows notable resistance to fruit rot (Botrytis cinerea) and powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca macularis). In addition, it tolerates the effects of rain well, which reduces the risk of diseases linked to excessive humidity.
  • Malwina : This late variety is highly resistant to verticillium and shows low susceptibility to fruit rot and powdery mildew. Malwina is also little affected by heavy rain and sunburn, making it a robust and reliable variety for late crops.

FAQs: Strawberry Diseases and Pests

What are the main pests of strawberries?

Major strawberry pests include aphids, spider mites, Drosophila suzukii (spotted-winged fruit fly), Anthonomus rubi (strawberry weevil), and Otiorhynchus sulcatus (vine weevil).

How to prevent gray mold in strawberries?

To prevent gray mold ( Botrytis cinerea ), space plants well to improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering that wets leaves and fruit, and remove infected fruit immediately.

What are the biological control methods for strawberry pests?

Biological control methods include the use of ladybugs for aphids, beneficial nematodes for soil pest larvae, trichogramma for pest insect eggs, and neem and canola oils as natural repellents and insecticides.

How to manage fungal diseases in strawberry crops?

To manage fungal diseases, use resistant varieties, practice crop rotation, maintain good hygiene by removing plant debris and disinfecting tools, apply biological fungicides, and manage humidity by spacing plants and avoiding overhead irrigation.

Which strawberry varieties are most disease resistant?

The Rumba and Malwina varieties are particularly resistant. Rumba is resistant to fruit rot and powdery mildew, while Malwina is resistant to verticillium and shows low susceptibility to fruit rot and powdery mildew.

How to prevent aphid infestation in strawberry plants?

To prevent aphid infestations, use natural predators like ladybugs, apply neem oil sprays, and maintain good hygiene by removing infected plants and leaves.

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