Strawberries prevent gray mold
Thermal Sight,Thermal Imager,Helmet Thermal Monocular,Portable Security Cameras Hope Wish Photoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.irhpws.com
Strawberry gray mold, commonly referred to as botrytis fruit rot, is one of the most significant diseases affecting strawberry crops. It can occur in both greenhouse and open-field cultivation systems, directly impacting flowers and fruits, which leads to substantial losses in both yield and fruit quality.
The symptoms of this disease typically begin after flowering. The pathogen initially infects small, developing fruits, causing the first signs of infection on the parts of the fruit that come into contact with wet soil. As the disease progresses, it spreads up the stem to the inflorescence, leading to complete rotting of the flower cluster. Infected fruits develop water-soaked spots that eventually turn dark brown, become soft, and lose their fragrance. In humid conditions, a characteristic gray mold appears on the affected areas. Even fruits that appear healthy during the growing season may continue to rot after harvest.
This fungal disease is caused by *Botrytis cinerea*, which overwinters on infected plant debris. Spores are released under warm and moist conditions in late spring and spread through wind. The optimal temperature for spore germination is between 20–25°C, with a minimum of 4°C and a maximum of 30–32°C. Germination occurs at temperatures ranging from 13.7–29.5°C, though it is more favorable at lower temperatures. Environmental factors such as high humidity and low temperatures play a key role in disease development. Overcrowded planting, excessive nitrogen fertilizer use, dense foliage, poor light penetration, continuous rainfall, and inadequate drainage all contribute to favorable conditions for the disease. During the early to mid-fruit development stage, when fruits start to color, they are most vulnerable. Additionally, the susceptibility of different strawberry varieties varies significantly.
To manage this disease, several strategies can be employed. First, selecting resistant varieties is an effective long-term solution. Agricultural practices such as removing old or diseased leaves in early spring, pruning infected flower clusters at the first sign of disease, and maintaining good garden hygiene can help reduce the spread of the pathogen. Proper spacing, balanced fertilization, and controlled irrigation are also important to prevent excessive plant growth and high humidity. Mulching with plastic film or straw can keep the fruit away from damp soil. For chemical control, options include spraying 200 times diluted Bordeaux mixture, 50% Senzu Zinc at 500 times dilution, 50% Dimethomorph at 600 times, 75% chlorothalonil at 600–800 times, 50% Sulfonyl or 70% Thiophanate-methyl at 800–1000 times, 10% polyoxymorphone wettable powder at 100–150 g per 75 kg of water, and 50% Acetamiprid WP at 100–135 g per 75 kg of water. Spraying should be done every 7–10 days for 3–4 applications. Fumigation with antibacterial agents at a rate of 0.1 grams per cubic meter is also recommended. Combining these methods can significantly reduce the impact of gray mold on strawberry crops.