The fungus attacks berries in the field at all stages of growth. Fruit rot occurs when the berries come in contact with the soil. The pathogen may also cause a serious crown rot, which can develop along with the fruit rot. Symptoms and Disease Cycle Crown rot is caused by the soil-inhabiting fungus Phytophthora cactorum . The pathogen infects the roots of the strawberry through wounds in the root tissue.
Symptoms are different, depending on the fruit stage.
On immature, green fruit, the infected areas appear dark brown or normal green with a brown edge. On ripe, mature fruit, they can appear either without color change or bleached and ranging in color from light lilac to purple. Infected fruits are characteristically tough and leathery, having a bitter taste. When weather conditions are warm and rainfall is abundant, the pathogen releases its spores into the soil. These infested soil particles are dispersed onto the fruits by splashing rain or wind.