Rhizopus produces large numbers of spores that are easily spread by wind or insects. Apply fungicides during the fruit-picking period. Handle fruit carefully during picking to prevent wounding. After harvest, cool the fruit to 46 o to 50 o F. Rapid postharvest cooling of fruit is essential for disease control. Sunscald may occur on nearly ripe fruit exposed to direct sunlight in hot weather.
Damage usually occurs when hot, sunny weather follows periods of cool, cloudy weather.
It is capable of persisting in soil for long periods. Strains of the fungus that attack potato, tomato, and cotton also attack strawberries. Symptoms appear in spring, especially following periods of stress due to the sudden onset of high temperatures, high light intensity, or drought. Outer, older leaves on infected plants show marginal and interveinal browning and eventual collapse. Inner, younger leaves remain green until the plant dies.