By Andi Anderson
A fungal disease known as Neopestalotiopsis, or "Neo-P," is causing serious issues for strawberry growers, leading to reduced crop yields and a possible shortage of locally grown strawberries this year. With limited fungicide solutions and no resistant plant varieties available, farmers are facing increasing challenges in maintaining production levels.
First identified in 2021, Neo-P has become a growing concern, especially in controlled environments like greenhouses and high tunnels. In these settings, growers have even fewer options for controlling the disease, making management more complex. One major issue has been the difficulty in obtaining disease-free strawberry transplants, which are essential for successful planting seasons.
Farmers who usually plant in the fall for a spring or summer harvest have struggled to get healthy plants, as nurseries have been unable to meet the demand due to the spread of Neo-P. This has impacted not only commercial production but also research projects, as infected transplants have forced researchers to destroy plants and perform costly greenhouse cleanouts.
To support growers, experts are conducting ongoing research to understand how the disease spreads and how to manage it more effectively. Researchers are studying whether the fungus can survive through Ohio’s winter and are developing strategies to identify and control infections early.
Educational support is being provided through outreach programs, including newsletters, grower meetings, and digital materials. Specialists are also offering disease diagnosis services to help identify infections quickly, allowing timely response and control.
Efforts are underway to find strawberry types that may show tolerance to the disease. Researchers have applied for grant funding to identify plant lines that could resist Neo-P in the future.
While the disease remains a serious concern, the combination of research, education, and support is helping farmers cope with the current situation and work toward long-term solutions. As a result of the reduced supply, consumers may see fewer strawberries and possibly higher prices this season.
To learn more about disease management in fruit crops, growers can visit the Ohio State Fruit Pathology Program at u.osu.edu/fruitpathology.
Photo Credit: ohio-state-university
Categories: Ohio, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables