Dense foliage and wide rows which keep plants wet longer. All strawberry varieties are susceptible to Botrytis , but some varieties are much more susceptible than others are. Crop management practices that keep rows narrow and encourage air flow in the row will help reduce disease. Fruit surface is dull, discoloured and may be tough and leathery. The vascular tissue to the seeds is discoloured.
Infected fruit has a foul odour and taste.
Used with permission from Univ. Spores contact fruit in rain-splash, standing water or soil to fruit contact. Conditions that favour Botrytis will also favour leather rot. Grow strawberries only on sites with excellent soil drainage, where standing water does not occur. Growing strawberries on raised bed or ridges can reduce leather rot problems.