The effect of covering the crop with polythene tunnels on Botrytis fruit rot was investigated. Two cultivars were grown organically in three field experiments during 2001-2003. Botrytis cinerea is a major threat to strawberry cultivation in the field, especially when the crop is grown organically. Control of the disease in organic strawberry crops depends merely on prevention. Botrytis infection risk depends on humidity and temperature. Under optimal temperature conditions leaf wetness period necessary for infection of strawberry flowers decreases (Bulger et al., 1997). Prevention or shortening of the leaf wetness period might help to reduce infection risk of strawberries. Cv. Elsanta proved less susceptible to B. cinerea than cv. Darselect, thus choosing an appropriate cultivar is a helpful means to control grey mould. Covering the crop with polythene tunnels effectively reduced the infection risk of B. cinerea on strawberry flowers. Mechanisms to regulate the temperature in the tunnel are necessary to ensure fruit quality and should be investigated further.

Fragaria x ananassa Duch.; cultural control; infection risk

Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, CROATIA
Sponsored by Ministry Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia