Project code: PRR24-020
Project leads
Rishi Burlakoti – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Justin Renkema – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Objective
To characterize Neopestalotiopsis species isolated from strawberries and develop protocols for alternative management tools and integrated solutions for strawberry crown rot.
Strawberries have the fifth highest farm gate value among Canadian fruits, estimated at $144.5 million in 2022. Almost 75% of commercial acreage in Canada is in Ontario and Quebec, with Nova Scotia and coastal British Columbia also being significant production regions. However, Neopestalotiopsis species pose a significant threat to Canadian strawberry production. This pathogen can cause leaf spots, leaf necrosis, and crown death in strawberries, leading to substantial economic losses. Neopoestalotiopsis can survive on plants without showing symptoms, making transplants a major source of spread, which has resulted in widespread outbreaks in the United States. Since 2018, Neopestalotiopsis has been detected in strawberries and other crops across Canada. Neopestalotiopsis crown rot was identified as an integrated pest management priority by stakeholders at the 2023 Canadian Pest Management Priority Setting Workshop. In Canada, there are no registered fungicides, tolerant strawberry cultivars, or viable diagnostic tools available for this pathogen. The lack of available tools complicates monitoring and management efforts, especially in a production system reliant on transplants. Ensuring the use of clean plant material is crucial to reduce the spread of Neopestalotiopsis.
Beginning in 2024, researchers are conducting studies to understand Neopestalotiopsis crown rot in strawberries and evaluate a non-chemical approach to control this disease. Given the recent detection of Neopestalotiopsis in Canada, research is necessary to understand its life cycle, biology, and alternative hosts. Researchers will also evaluate steam treatment of strawberry transplants to control the disease. While steam treatment has been explored for other strawberry pests without adverse effects on strawberry plants, research is needed to determine effective treatments for controlling Neopestalotiopsis.
This project aims to enhance the knowledge on Neopestalotiopsis species in Canada and develop alternative management tools. The anticipated outcomes will advance the integrated management of Neopestalotiopsis crown rot disease in strawberries. Project results will be shared with growers and stakeholders through demonstrations, publications, grower meetings, and conferences.