In the Northeast, infection on leaves may not harm plants, but can lead to infection of calyx and fruit when conditions are ideal for disease. Bacteria can travel within the plant from leaves to crowns and roots, and can be spread to new fields on symptomless propagation material. Within the field, the disease is spread by irrigation water, splashing rain, wet equipment, etc. Conditions which favour the disease are moderated to cool daytime temperatures, low nighttime temperatures, and high humidity. Research has not shown copper sprays to be very effective in controlling this disease.
Cultivars vary in their susceptibility.
Cowerdish, Annapolis, Allstar, Honeoye and Kent are very susceptible. Overhead irrigation, especially for frost protection, should be used judiciously in problem fields. Slime moulds are a very primitive form of fungus. During warm wet weather in spring and fall, they can be many colours, grey, white, purple, yellow, and look like jelly-like masses, or crusty structures. Slime moulds do not actually infect strawberry plants, but they do grow on leaves and fruit and do not have an attractive appearance.