Fungicide application to protect primocanes during and immediately after harvest. Adjust catcher plates to minimize wounding during harvest. Avoid overhead irrigation. Phytophthora Root Rot Soilborne fungus which can cause root and crown rot. Infection favored by saturated soil conditions.
Diseased plants have lack of feeder roots, poor vigor canes.
Interior of major roots and crown are brown to black. Damage seen as collapse of fruiting laterals, wilting primocanes with onset of hot weather. Reduced vigor and yield. Note areas in field where these symptoms are seen. Decline can be extreme during harvest.