Strawberry root and crown rot disease survey 2005-2006

Reports of unusually high numbers of plant deaths in strawberry crops from growers in Western Australia prompted a survey to identify the cause. Plant and oil samples were taken from a range of growers and runner sources over a two-year period and tested for plant pathogens. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae was identified as the predominant pathogen, the first recording of this in Western Australia. Further work is planned to clarify the epidemiology of this pathogen and evaluate suitable methods of control. Report produced by Department of Agriculture and Food WA. Bulletin 4747 ISSN 1833-7236