By Clint Thompson
Strawberry production is underway across the Southeast. Though much of the region is in the midst of prolonged dry conditions, disease management figures to play a pivotal role for growers in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
One disease that producers need to be mindful of is phytophthora. Amid the overwhelming concerns farmers had about neopestalotiopsis prior to planting this fall, they should not forget about the impact of phytophthora, says Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension fruit disease specialist. First and foremost, the symptoms of both diseases are eerily similar.
Strawberry growers need to have a correct disease diagnosis to ensure they are applying the appropriate fungicides.
“Growers are going to have to be aware that (phytophthora) is also out there. We need to make sure we’re identifying the right pathogen. Neopestalotiopsis looks like phytophthora in the field, to some degree when the plants are dying. If you’re putting out stuff for neopestalotiopsis and ignoring the fact that you have phytophthora and that’s your pathogen, those products are not going to work on phytophthora,” Brannen said.
“We’ve got to make sure that we’re aware that growers need to be in contact with their county agents if they have any questions about what diseases they have. We need to try to get somebody in a diagnostic clinic to confirm as often as possible what you actually have. That way you’re spraying the right materials, and you don’t lose your crop.”