What is the greyish-brown, fuzzy stuff on this dead strawberry blossom?
This this fuzzy-looking growth is grey mold caused by Botrytis cinerea. Grey mold is one of our most serious fruit rot diseases of strawberries that we see every single year in every single field. In addition to developing on fruit, grey mold can develop on dead or dying leaves, stems, and flower buds. This photo is a reminder that even though flowering and fruiting has not started quite yet, cold damaged tissue can become infected and serve as a source of fungal inoculum. The best ways to stay ahead of grey mold is to remove dead and dying tissue, including fruit, flowers, and leaves, and to maintain a good fungicide program once flowering/fruiting begins. Captan and thiram should make up the foundation of spray programs with site-specific fungicides (like Switch, Elevate, Fontelis, etc.) being added to the rotation prior to rain events. Download the MyIPM app to easily view recommended fungicides and their rates for grey mold and other strawberry diseases.
This week’s question is from Justin Ballew, Extension Fruit and Vegetable Research Associate.
The South Carolina Grower 