Profile Biology Damage symptoms Host plants Propagation and transmission Economic importance Phytosanitary status Prevention and control Specialist information Services to overview

Phytophthora cactorum on strawberry

Phytophthora cactorum

Profile

Rhizome rot is caused by an egg fungus(P. cactorum). It attacks a large number of different plants, including strawberries. Infestation can be recognized by the brown to reddish-brown rot spots, which are usually sharply defined.

Biology

Infections occur from the soil, from where the pathogens colonize the rhizomes and roots or reach the fruit via rain splash. Due to lower temperatures, P. cactorum activity decreases again in October and November.

As infected plants die, the pathogens re-enter the soil. There, P. cactorum forms permanent organs that are highly resistant to weather conditions or tillage and can persist in the soil for many years. If a host plant is cultivated, the pathogens can cause new infections.

Damage symptoms

At the beginning of rhizome rot heart leaves of the plants wither, then often turn blue-green and then turn brown. Death of the plants occurs within a few days.

If the rhizomes are cut open, reddish-brown discoloration can be seen with clear demarcation from healthy tissue. The roots are asymptomatic at the beginning of the disease and die as the disease progresses. When diseased plants are lifted, they often snap off at the top of the crown.

Immature, infected fruits are brown and have a leathery consistency. If infection occurs just before harvest, berries have a pale color and browned vascular bundles. Diseased strawberries taste bitter.

Symptoms often appear either about four weeks after planting or in the spring after flowering. Frigo plants are more sensitive to the disease than green plants.

Auf Stroh liegende Erdbeeren, die braun verfärbt sind
Fruchtsymptome der Rhizomfäule
Längs aufgeschnittenes Rhizom einer Erdbeerpflanze, welche rotbraune Verfärbungen aufweist
Rhizomfäule an der Erdbeerpflanze

Host plants

Host plants besides strawberry are e.g. also bee lover(Phacelia), field bean, corn, bush berries as well as pome and stone fruit.

Distribution

P. cactorum occurs worldwide.

Propagation and transmission

Rhizome rot is more prevalent on cool, moist sites or in years with high rainfall. Permanent forms of P. cactorum can survive in the soil for years without a host plant.

In spring, strawberries are particularly susceptible to rhizome rot infestation because the plant is under stress from growth, flower and fruit development. The same pathogen that causes rhizome rot is also responsible for leathery berry rot.

Economic importance

Rhizome rot is one of the most important diseases of strawberries and can lead to large losses under suitable conditions. Due to the persistence of the pathogens in the soil, replanting strawberries should be avoided.

Phytosanitary status

Phytophthora cactorum is a Union regulated non-quarantine pest.

Prevention and control

  • Heavy and wet soils should be avoided for strawberry production, if necessary provide drainage of wet soils. Planting on embankments is recommended or contact with the soil should be avoided by straw bedding.
  • The introduction of green manure or other organic matter helps to improve the soil structure.
  • It is also recommended to plant the following tolerant varieties: "Florence", "Pandora", "Symphony", "Pegasus", "Darselect", "Everest", "Bolero", "Tango", "Charlotte", "Camarosa", "Aromas", "Marmolada".

Specialist information

Projects

ERA-NET EUPHRESCO II: Evaluation and testing of pathogens on strawberries

Services

Plant Health Services

Last updated: 05.09.2024

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