Angular Leaf Spot of Strawberry
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Angular leaf spot (Xanthomonas fragariae) is a bacterial disease that leads to plant decline, stunting, and possible sudden plant death. Leaf spots are water-soaked, angular, and delimited by veins; they appear translucent when held
up to the light. During rainy periods, the bacterium oozes from lesions and may dry, leaving a white film. As disease spreads and becomes more severe, leaf tissue dies, becomes brown or reddish brown, and moves into major veins
and other vascular tissue. Disease is introduced through infected plugs or tips. Bacterium overwinters in infected plants and intact dead leaves, but it cannot survive freely in soil.
Angular leaf spot lesions initially appear water-soaked.
(Photo: Nicole Ward Gauthier, University of Kentucky)
Angular leaf spot lesions initially appear translucent.
(Photo: Nicole Ward Gauthier, University of Kentucky)
Angular leaf spot lesions later become necrotic.
(Photo: Nicole Ward Gauthier, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Begin with clean plant material.
- Use sanitation to reduce spread.
- Consider resistant cultivars.
- Space plants to improve air circulation.
- Apply antibiotics or copper products as protectants.
