2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Biologically-based (BB) treatments were evaluated for strawberry growth, berry yield and quality, and disease control in high tunnel (HT) and open field/low tunnel (OF/LT) strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) in Texas (Lubbock and Prairie View); while in Arkansas, calcium + boron foliar applications were compared to chemical fungicides. Varieties included Camino Real (CR) and Strawberry Festival (F). Bio-based treatments in Texas included Trichoderma spp., Bacillus spp., Streptomyces spp., and the plant extract Reynoutria sachalinensis. Treatments for root diseases in Texas were applied at planting and selected timings throughout the season using drip irrigation; and bi-weekly foliar applications made for Botrytis control. Regardless of treatment, the number of Rhizoctonia-infected plants at Lubbock was significantly higher in CR compared to F, and Rhizoctonia was significantly higher in HT production compared to OF/LT. In both states, and regardless of treatment, CR had significantly higher Botrytis-infected berries compared to F. At Arkansas, calcium + boron foliar applications resulted in significantly fewer Botrytis-infected berries compared to the untreated and chemical fungicide treatments, but there was no difference in marketable yield. At Lubbock, CR had significantly higher Botrytis-infected berries in OF/LT plots compared to HT. Chemical fungicide-treated plants at Prairie View had significantly lower marketable yields compared to BB treatments, while at Lubbock, no differences in marketable yields were observed. Results indicate the potential for using bio-based products and calcium + boron applications for disease control in strawberries, though more research is needed.