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Charcoal rot, caused by<br />
Macrophomina phaseolina,<br />
is one of the important fungal<br />
diseases of strawberry<br />
in California. Macrophomina<br />
phaseolina is a soilborne fungus and<br />
has a wide host range, including alfalfa,<br />
cabbage, corn, pepper, and potato, some<br />
of which are cultivated in the strawberry<br />
production areas in California. The<br />
fungus infects the vascular system of<br />
the plant roots, obstructing the nutrient<br />
and water supply and ultimately<br />
resulting in stunted growth, wilting, and<br />
death of the plant. The fungus survives<br />
in the soil and infected plant debris as<br />
microsclerotia (resting structures made<br />
of hyphal bodies) and can persist for up<br />
to three years. Microsclerotia germinate<br />
and penetrate the root system to initiate<br />
infection. Plants are more vulnerable to<br />
fungal infection when they are experiencing<br />
environmental (extreme weather<br />
or drought conditions) and physiological<br />
(heavy fruit bearing) stress.<br />
Soil fumigation is the primary management<br />
option for addressing charcoal<br />
rot in strawberry. Additionally, crop<br />
rotation with broccoli can reduce the<br />
risk of charcoal rot due to glucosinolates<br />
and isothiocyanates in broccoli<br />
crop residue that have fungicidal<br />
properties. Beneficial microorganisms<br />
such as Bacillus spp. and Trichoderma<br />
spp. are also considered, especially in<br />
organic strawberries, to antagonize<br />
M. phaseolina and other soilborne<br />
pathogens and provide some protection.<br />
20 Progressive Crop Consultant <strong>Nov</strong>ember / <strong>Dec</strong>ember <strong>2019</strong>
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