By Clint Thompson
The threat of neopestalotiopsis on strawberry plants in the Southeast is having a “severe impact on the industry,” according to Edgar Vinson, assistant research professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Auburn University.
“A lot of nursery owners have opted either to not sell plants or are advising the growers that they’re taking the plants at their own risk. It’s really lessening the availability of plants. It’s having a severe impact on the industry,” Vinson said.
It was discovered that neopestalotiopsis has infected strawberry plug plants originating from nurseries in Prince Edward Island and will impact producers in Alabama and throughout the Southeast. The disease levels currently observed in nurseries will likely impact the supply of tips, and therefore, plug plants for many strawberry producers.
Different Approaches
Vinson said producers have approached this season differently with regards to the potential disease outbreak.
“I think we’ve got a mix. The fewest number is willing to take the risk and just trying to stay on top of the disease with a pretty aggressive spray program. There are some that have opted not to grow strawberries at all and sit out this upcoming season. Then we had a few that were able to secure some plants from out west,” said Vinson, who added his thoughts on the potential decline in acreage this season.
“If they’re not able to get the source of plants, as many growers are reaching out west, the western part of the country and northern California, to get plant material. Those are thought to be clean plants, clean of the neopestalotiopsis disease,” Vinson added. “If they can make arrangements to get plant materials from some of the nurseries out west, then they can hopefully get enough plants for their operations.”
Alabama produces approximately 200 acres of strawberries every year.
If growers can’t secure enough plants, it could have an adverse effect on U-pick operations which are widespread across Alabama.
“It’s a key component of U-pick operations and it’s needed income for growers where strawberry may not be their main crop, but it represents significant income for the operation,” Vinson said.