Leaf Spot of Strawberry
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Leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae), also known as common leaf spot, is the most prevalent strawberry leaf disease. Initially, spots are purple and remain about ¼ inch in diameter. Eventually, spot centers turn white or gray with a red or purple border. Black fungal fruiting bodies are visible in light-colored spot centers. Lesions also may develop on petioles and stems. The fungus spreads via splashing rain and is worse during wet years. The pathogen overwinters on leaf debris and infected plants.
Strawberry leaf spot.
(Photo: Nicole Ward Gauthier, University of Kentucky)
Strawberry leaf spot.
(Photo: Paul Bachi, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Use good sanitation practices.
- Remove infected leaves and leaf debris.
- Mulch to prevent splash.
- Increase air circulation to encourage leaf drying.
- Consider resistant cultivars.
- Use fungicides if disease becomes severe.
