Neopestalotiopsis in Strawberry Plug Plants – A 2025 Update

As in 2024, the issue has shown up in plug plants rooted from runner tips from at least one source in eastern Canada.  Plug plants rooted from western U.S. runner tips appear to be healthy. Being healthy does not necessarily mean the same as being fungus-free, however, as most plant disease organisms can exist in strawberry plants at low levels while the plants remain symptom-free.

Part of the reason this problem keeps cropping up in plug plant production is that we give this fungal organism exactly the conditions it needs to multiply and spread (i.e., high humidity and moisture under mist; foliage that stays wet for long periods) and susceptible tissue to colonize (i.e., tender growth on highly susceptible cultivars). The result is a "perfect storm" for this disease to develop. This also means that there is room for improvement in several aspects that could improve the situation over time.

Symptoms to watch for are leaves with brown angular blotches and dead plants in the flat. In the field, plants may fail to grow as they should. If you have or have had suspicions about your plants, you may wish to contact your supplier and find out what their runner tip source was.

An article that may help in diagnosing Neopestalotiopsis: Strawberry Disease Identification: Neopestalotiopsis (aka Pestalotia) or a More Traditional Disease?

And a second one, Best Management Practices for Neopestalotiopsis (North Carolina State Extension) that outlines practices for its management, including fungicides if you still have some Thiram, and other fungicides that can be used if you don't.