Remove and destroy leaves after fruitbearing. Consult Extension Bulletin E-154 for appropriate fungicides. Leaf Blight Leaf blight is caused by Dendrophoma obscurans , the fungus which also causes stem end rot. This disease is caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella fragariae . The fungus overwinters on old, infected, strawberry leaves.
Infection is favored by cool, wet weather.
The center of the lesion or spot is tan and has a purple border. Certain varieties are more resistant than others. The normal fungicide sprays applied to control fruit rots will usually control leaf spot. However, leaf spot disease can build up during the first year after planting if growers do not apply many fungicide sprays to non-bearing plants. Consult Extension Bulletin E-154 for fungicide recommendations.