Fact Sheets no. Winter damage and poor cultural management predispose strawberry plants to diseases. Red stele, black root rot, botrytis fruit rot and leaf spot are the most important strawberry fungus diseases. Strawberry plants are most susceptible to disease-causing organisms when subjected to stress.
Many diseases attack strawberries.
Disease-causing organisms may be on plants when they are purchased or in the soil where plants are set. Disease spores also may be carried into strawberry fields by wind, birds, Insects and farm implements. For more information on site selection, soil preparation, planting and cultural methods, see fact sheet 7.000, Strawberries for the Home Garden . Prevent Stress Strawberry plants are most susceptible to disease-causing organisms when stressed. Stress results from planting in the wrong type of soil, incorrect planting depth, too much or too little water, too much shade, winter drying and frost heaving.