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Leather rot (Phytophthora cactorum) is caused by a fungus-like water mold. Infected fruit undergo subtle color changes and may appear healthy, but bad flavor and smell easily distinguish diseased fruit. Infected fruit turn brown and become rough and more leathery as disease progresses. Eventually fruit develop into hard, dry mummies. Crowns also may become infected. The pathogen overwinters in mummified fruit or may be introduced on diseased plant material. The soilborne pathogen spreads via soil movement (tools, cultivation, shoes) and runoff water. 

Leather rot.

(Photo: Frank Louws, North Carolina State University)

Leather rot.

(Photo: Mike Ellis, The Ohio State University)

Leather rot.

(Photo: Cheryl Kaiser, University of Kentucky)

Management:

• Maintain good drainage; divert runoff.
• Begin with clean plant material. 
• Use proper sanitation.
• Remove infected fruit
• Avoid soil movement.
• Mulch to lift fruit from the soil.
• Use fungicides to suppress disease and reduce spread.

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