Crown rot, caused by C. fragariae , is primarily a plant production problem in annual systems. Plants become infected in nurseries but show no symptoms until transplanted to production fields. High temperatures trigger symptom development.
Plants die quickly.
It is essential to acquire disease free transplants. The other Colletotrichum species cause fruit rot, flower blight or leaf spots. Stolons and petioles can also be infected. Rigorous fungicide programs are necessary to minimize losses to anthracnose diseases. Under favorable conditions for disease development, chemical control may give disappointing results.