Neopestalotiopsis Warning

Written by

Phil Brannen

December 20, 2022

Neopestalotiopsis is now showing up in Florida strawberries. Last year was relatively benign for this disease in Florida, and the same was generally true in Georgia. However, wetter conditions may be the trigger. We know from a trial conducted last year near Baxley, GA that no amount of fumigation or cultural practices (e.g. weed control or removing old crop residue) will completely alleviate the pathogen from the field. Though we never saw the disease in the field at this trial site, we could still find the pathogen at the end of the season. See the article below for information from Florida, and be on the lookout for the disease.

Neopestalotiopsis Present Again in Florida Strawberry Fields

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Phil Brannen

Phil Brannen is a Professor in the Plant Pathology Department at the University of Georgia. He attended the University of Georgia for his undergraduate degree in Plant Protection and Pest Management, where he also received an M.S. in Plant Pathology, followed by a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Auburn University. He has extensive experience with disease management programs in numerous cropping systems. He serves as the extension fruit pathologist for Georgia – conducting research and technology transfer for multiple fruit commodities. His efforts are directed towards developing IPM practices to solve disease issues and technology transfer of disease-management methods to commercial fruit producers. He also teaches the graduate level Field Pathology Course, the History of Plant Diseases and their Impact on Human Societies Course, team-teaches the IPM Course, coordinates the Viticulture and Enology in the Mediterranean Region Course (Cortona, Italy), and guest lectures in numerous other courses throughout the year.