Neopestalotiopsis in Strawberry Plug Plants – A 2026 Update

As in the past few years, this disease is showing up in plug plants of the most susceptible cultivars such as 'Ruby June', 'GF Belle', 'Chandler', and 'Albion'.

Part of the reason why this problem keeps cropping up is that the process used for making plug plants gives 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. The weather conditions we've had recently have also likely contributed to further disease development.

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 local extension educator if you have someone familiar with berry production nearby, or if you are in Pennsylvania, submit a sample to Penn State's Plant Disease Clinic. Instructions and submission forms can be found on their website. Other states have similar clinics that can help.

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.