Phil Brannen

  • As we wrap up 2024, there is one more report that will be of some value as you think through disease management activities for 2025. As most of you are aware, the active ingredient in Ridomil, mefenoxam, is utilized to control Phytophthora crown and root rot of strawberry. Based on field observations, we have had…

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  • The below information was compiled by Guido Schnabel (Clemson University), Bill Cline (North Carolina State), and I to give a recipe of sorts for Neopestalotiopsis management with fungicides after planting this fall. It does not address spring applications, but you will need to incorporate remaining applications of fungicides at that time. Whether or not Neopestalotiopsis…

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  • Strawberry Sprayer Design

    See below for a good design for a strawberry sprayer, courtesy of the University of Arkansas. Good coverage is important for all diseases, but with Neopestalotiopsis, you really want to saturate the plant with fungicides. This may be helpful for some.

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  • See below for additional information on Neopestalotiopsis and actions you might take to mitigate the issues at hand. Dr. Mark Hoffman comments on several items of interest — especially finding sources of good plants. https://strawberries.ces.ncsu.edu/2024/08/update-neopestalotiopsis-neo-p

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  • Neopestalotiopsis fruit rot and leaf spot, caused by Neopestalotiopsis species, was first reported to cause damage in strawberry fields in Florida in 2019 and 2020. This disease has since been observed in most southeastern states, and it is already making headlines for this coming 2024-2025 season. As many strawberry producers are aware, some nurseries are…

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  • An updated Southern Regional Strawberry Production Guide has been provided by Mark Hoffman (NC State) and several other authors and editors. This is a good reference for strawberry production, and it can be found at the link below. A PDF will also be developed and should be available soon. This is a good reference for…

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  • Disease Update for Strawberries in Georgia

    Many strawberry sites are now suffering substantial plant mortality as the season progresses.  Losses are not uniform, and some sites look pretty good. But unfortunately, many do not.  If diseases continue to increase, this may be one of our worst production years ever.  However, I hope that producers can still pull out some profits. From…

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  • Please see below for a letter and survey link associated with an updated Strawberry Pest Management Strategic Plan. I just ran through the survey, and it is quick. I hate surveys and normally delete them as quickly as possible, but this one is important to the future of research for the southeastern regional strawberry industry.…

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  • Neopestalotiopsis Observed in Georgia

    It is back. Unfortunately, we do have one site that has substantial disease from Neopestalotiopsis (Neo for short). Also unfortunately, it is difficult to confirm this disease without microscopy and viewing the spores that are produced in leaf and fruit lesions. Neo looks like anthracnose on fruit, several leaf spots, and Phytophthora root rot —…

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  • Neopestalotiopsis Warning

    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…

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