Under these conditions, gray mold can explode in an unprotected berry patch and produce a severe epidemic in as little as 28 hours. As the disease becomes more and more established in a particular field, it becomes proportionally harder to control. Cultural Control Certain cultural practices help control gray mold by promoting faster drying of foliage and fruit while other practices reduce exposure to fungal inoculum. Select a planting site with good soil drainage and air circulation. Expose planting to full sun.
Orient plant rows toward the prevailing wind.
Apply appropriate nitrogen levels to prevent excessive foliage from developing Mulch plants with straw to reduce fruit contact with soil. Pick fruit frequently. Cull out and remove diseased berries from the planting. Chemical Control Gray mold control can be aided by applying protective fungicides beginning at or before bloom and continuing until harvest. Where gray mold has been a significant problem before, applications should begin at the white bud stage of flower development.