Deterioration of Strawberries due to Leather-like Texture

Strawberry growers in Ohio face a persistent challenge in the form of leather rot, a disease caused by the pathogen Phytophthora cactorum. This fungus thrives in wet, poorly drained soils and can cause significant crop loss, with commercial growers reportedly losing up to 50 percent of their crop.

To combat this disease, an integrated approach that combines cultural, chemical, and resistant cultivar strategies is essential.

Cultural Practices

Improving drainage is key to reducing the risk of leather rot. Raised beds or mounded rows can help keep roots and fruit above saturated soil, while judicious irrigation is necessary to avoid excess moisture. Drip irrigation is preferred over overhead sprinklers to minimize wetting the fruit and foliage. Crop rotation with non-host crops for at least 2-3 years can also help reduce soil inoculum levels. Sanitation practices, such as prompt removal and destruction of infected fruits and plant debris, are crucial in reducing inoculum sources. Choosing well-drained sites with minimal history of Phytophthora problems is also advisable.

Resistant Cultivars

While complete resistance is rare, some cultivars show partial tolerance to leather rot. Consult local extension recommendations for varieties adapted to Ohio with better resistance.

Chemical Control

Phytophthora cactorum is an oomycete, requiring fungicides effective against oomycetes. Common active ingredients include metalaxyl and mefenoxam, systemic fungicides used as soil drenches or foliar sprays; phosphonates like potassium phosphite, which stimulate plant defense and suppress Phytophthora; and dimethomorph and mandipropamid, which target oomycetes and are useful in rotation to prevent resistance.

Apply fungicides preventatively in wet periods favoring disease development, following label instructions carefully regarding timing and application rates. Rotating fungicide modes of action is also important to minimize resistance risk.

Monitoring and Early Detection

Regular field scouting during wet conditions is essential for early symptom identification. Avoid harvesting wet fruit to reduce spread.

Soil Management

Maintaining soil pH near neutral (6.0–6.5) and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization can help reduce the risk of leather rot.

Ohio-Specific Recommendations

Contact the Ohio State University Extension for region-specific cultivar recommendations and fungicide updates. OSU often emphasizes using raised beds with plastic mulch and drip irrigation systems to reduce moisture around fruit. Application timing is critical in Ohio, especially in spring when soils are cool and wet.

In conclusion, controlling Phytophthora cactorum in Ohio strawberries relies on good drainage and irrigation management, use of tolerant cultivars, preventative fungicide applications targeting oomycetes, and regular field monitoring. Integrating these strategies provides the best defense against leather rot outbreaks.

The soil type influences the severity of leather rot in Ohio strawberries, with poorly drained soils offering optimal conditions for the disease.
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