Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.): symptoms and field sampling.

Abstract

Strawberry cultivation is subject to a series of phytosanitary problems, notably anthracnose and crown rot, caused by Phytophthora spp. and Alternaria spp., respectively, resulting in plant loss and reduced production. Samples were taken in the municipality of Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, from strawberry plants (Fragaria x ananassa) showing symptoms of anthracnose, leaf spots, and crown rot. Although producers are able to identify the symptoms, controlling the agents is difficult because the lack of accurate information causes farmers to use ineffective strategies to mitigate the impacts on the crop, as only the symptoms of anthracnose, leaf spot, and rot are known. It is therefore essential to provide the productive sector with adequate information on the identity of the causal agents for these symptoms so that they can be properly controlled in the region. Although some products are used, given the nature of the phytopathogens, it is likely that they are not adequate, resulting in constant losses each cycle.