Strawberry growers have a new challenge on their hands: Neopestalotiopsis (Neo-P), a fungal disease that is proving to be particularly aggressive, difficult to manage, and devastating to strawberry production. Unlike other strawberry leaf diseases you might be familiar with, Neo-P doesn’t just affect the leaves, it can infect every part of the plant, including flowers, fruit and stems. If left unchecked, it can reduce fruit production, impact the yield or fruit quality, and weaken the plant so significantly that it may not survive.
So, what exactly is Neopestalotiopsis, and how is it different from other diseases of strawberries? More importantly, what can you do to prevent strawberry fungus from taking over your crops?
Let’s break it all down.
Neopestalotiopsis isn’t a new threat, but its recent resurgence along the East Coast has growers on high alert. First documented in Florida strawberry fields a few years ago, the disease has since spread to states like Wisconsin and North Carolina, particularly in farms with a history of strawberry production.
What makes Neo-P especially concerning is its persistence. Even after infected plants are removed, fungal spores linger in the soil and plant debris, waiting for the right conditions to re-emerge the following season.
Research in plant pathology has shown that Neopestalotiopsis thrives in humid environments where moisture remains on plant surfaces for extended periods. Whether from morning dew, rainfall, or overhead irrigation, excess moisture creates the perfect breeding ground for fungal spores. This makes disease prevention especially challenging for growers in regions with frequent rain or high humidity.
Adding to the difficulty, Neo-P doesn’t always show symptoms right away. Some plants appear healthy at first, only to develop visible infections once environmental conditions shift. By the time the disease is detected, it has often already spread through spores in the air, soil, and plant debris, making control efforts significantly more difficult.
How Does Neopestalotiopsis Spread?
Unlike common leaf spot or botrytis fruit rot, which primarily affect spots on strawberry leaves or fruit surfaces, Neopestalotiopsis is far more invasive. It moves rapidly throughout the plant, affecting not only the leaf surface but also fruit, stems, and crowns, leading to widespread infection. Understanding how the plant disease spreads is essential for preventing outbreaks.
Spores in the Air and Soil
Fungal spores are microscopic, traveling through air, water, and soil particles. They attach to tools, clothing, and even rain droplets, making it easy for the disease to spread unnoticed. Once a single plant is infected, spores can quickly contaminate the entire strawberry patch, leading to fruit infection, crown rot, and severe yield losses.Strawberry Transplants and Plant Debris
Many growers unknowingly introduce Neopestalotiopsis into their fields through strawberry transplants. If young plants originate from a nursery where the fungus was present, they may already be carrying dormant spores. Once planted in the field, these transplants become a disease reservoir, releasing spores into the soil and surrounding plants.
Additionally, infected plant debris plays a major role in fungal spread. If infected leaves, crowns, or rotting fruit are left in the field, spores can survive for months and wait for the right conditions to reemerge and infect new strawberry plants. Proper crop sanitation is essential to breaking the infection cycle.
Leaf Wetness Creates the Perfect Conditions
Like many fungal diseases, Neo-P thrives in moisture-rich environments. When leaf wetness persists for long periods, spores germinate and spread, rapidly infecting neighboring plants. Frequent rainfall, high humidity, and overhead irrigation all contribute to the rapid spread of this disease.
Switching to drip irrigation instead of overhead watering significantly reduces the risk of disease transmission, as it keeps moisture off the leaves while ensuring consistent hydration for the plants.
Infected Soil and Crop Residue
If your farm or garden has a prior history of strawberry production, you may already have Neopestalotiopsis spores lurking in the soil. Unlike some leaf spot diseases, which primarily affect spots on strawberry leaves but don’t linger in the environment, Neo-P has been found to persist in crop residue and plant debris long after an infected strawberry fruit or leaf surface has been removed.
This is why crop rotation is so important. Many strawberry growers make the mistake of planting new strawberry transplants in the same soil season after season. But if the soil still contains spores from a previous year’s infection, those new plants are at immediate risk.
A good rule of thumb is to rotate your strawberry crops every two to three years and plant non-host crops such as lettuce, legumes, or onions in between strawberry plantings. This helps disrupt the disease cycle and prevent spores from lingering in the soil long enough to infect strawberry plants the following year.
Symptoms and Signs of Neopestalotiopsis
One of the most frustrating things about Neopestalotiopsis is how quickly it can take over a once-thriving strawberry patch. At first, it may seem like nothing more than a few spots on strawberry leaves, but within weeks, the infection can spread throughout every part of the plant, turning what should have been a productive growing season into a battle against disease.
Recognizing early signs of infection is key to preventing widespread damage. While some fungal diseases only impact certain parts of the plant, Neopestalotiopsis affects every part of the strawberry plant, making detection crucial for effective disease management.
How Small Fruit, Green Fruit, and Ripe Fruit Show Symptoms Differently
The earliest signs of Neopestalotiopsis infection can appear at any stage of fruit development. Small and green strawberries may develop tiny brown or black specks that seem minor at first but gradually expand into sunken lesions. As the disease progresses, these spots harden and deepen, affecting the fruit’s texture and structure.
By the time fruit ripens, the damage becomes severe. Infected berries often shrivel, discolor, or develop a grayish fungal coating, rendering them inedible. Cutting into an infected berry may reveal internal brown discoloration, signaling that the fungus has spread deep into the fruit.
The danger doesn’t end with fruit damage, infected strawberries can remain attached to the plant, serving as a constant source of spores that infect neighboring plants. This is why prompt removal and destruction of diseased fruit is critical to breaking the fungal cycle.
What to Look for on Leaves
The first warning signs of Neopestalotiopsis typically appear on the leaves. Tiny dark spots with irregular edges emerge, often mistaken for common leaf spot. Unlike other strawberry diseases, these blotches expand rapidly, merging into large, brittle lesions that disrupt photosynthesis and weaken the plant. Flipping the leaves over may reveal white or grayish fungal growth, indicating that the fungus is in its spore-producing stage. This is when the disease spreads most aggressively through wind, rain, and contact with infected plant debris.
How the Disease Progresses
As the infection spreads beyond the leaves, it moves into the plant’s core structures. Once the fungus reaches the stems and crown, it cuts off the plant’s ability to transport water and nutrients, causing widespread collapse. At this stage, even aggressive treatment may not save the plant.
The Impact on Strawberry Yields
Even if Neopestalotiopsis doesn’t immediately kill a plant, it significantly weakens its ability to produce high-quality fruit. Instead of directing energy toward fruit development, infected plants prioritize survival, resulting in smaller, misshapen berries with tough outer skin. Yields decline, and fruit quality suffers, making the berries less marketable.
Additionally, weakened plants become more susceptible to secondary fungal infections like botrytis fruit rot, further compounding the problem. For commercial growers, this can lead to substantial financial losses. In severe outbreaks, entire crops may be wiped out, emphasizing the importance of proactive prevention and disease management strategies to minimize damage and protect future harvests.
Cleanup is Critical
When spring temperatures rise and moisture levels increase, Neopestalotiopsis spores become active again, ready to infect new strawberry transplants. This makes end-of-season cleanup essential in preventing recurring outbreaks. Any infected plant material left behind can allow spores to overwinter, leading to reinfection the following year.
To reduce disease pressure, all infected strawberry plants, crowns, and fallen leaves should be removed and destroyed, not composted, as fungal spores can survive in organic matter. A proactive approach to post-harvest sanitation significantly lowers the risk of spores lingering in the soil.
Growers who neglect cleanup often face more severe outbreaks in the next season. Removing infected debris, rotating crops, and maintaining a clean field can help break the fungal cycle and reduce the risk of reinfection.
How is Neopestalotiopsis Different from Other Strawberry Diseases?
Many strawberry diseases look similar at first, which is why it is crucial to understand the differences between Neopestalotiopsis and other common fungal infections. While common leaf spot, botrytis fruit rot, and ramularia leaf spot can all cause plant damage, they do not behave in the same way as Neo-P.
Common leaf spot is typically recognized by the small, round, reddish-brown lesions that appear on older leaves. Although this disease can weaken the plant, it does not generally spread beyond the leaf surface, meaning it is more of a cosmetic concern than a major threat to fruit yield. In contrast, Neopestalotiopsis does not stay contained to the leaves, it spreads aggressively, affecting fruit, stems, and crowns.
Another disease often confused with Neopestalotiopsis is botrytis fruit rot, also known as gray mold. While botrytis primarily affects the fruit, turning ripe strawberries into soft, moldy masses, it does not attack the plant’s crowns and root system the way Neo-P does. This makes botrytis easier to manage with good airflow, proper sanitation, and careful harvesting techniques. Neo-P, on the other hand, is far more invasive and difficult to control once it takes hold.
Ramularia leaf spot, another common strawberry disease, though visually similar to Neopestalotiopsis in its early stages, is also far less destructive. While it can cause blotches on leaves, it does not typically affect every part of the plant the way Neo-P does. The primary difference is that Neo-P can lead to complete plant collapse, whereas ramularia is more of an aesthetic issue that may require treatment but does not devastate strawberry crops in the same way.
Why Traditional Fungicide May Not Be Enough
For years, the go-to solution for strawberry growers facing fungal disease has been to use conventional fungicide applications. It makes sense, when you’re up against a fast-spreading pathogen like Neopestalotiopsis, the instinct is to fight back hard with whatever tools are available. But here’s the problem: relying too heavily on chemical fungicides isn’t just ineffective in the long run, it can actually make the issue worse.
One major concern is fungicide resistance. Repeated use of the same chemical treatments allows the fungus to adapt, making it harder to control. This happens through a process of selection pressure, when the same fungicide is applied repeatedly, the most susceptible fungal spores are eliminated, but some may have natural genetic mutations that allow them to survive. These resistant spores then reproduce, eventually leading to a population of fungi that are no longer affected by the fungicide. Over time, stronger spores survive each application, requiring higher doses and more frequent treatments, which can become unsustainable. Unfortunately, Neopestalotiopsis has already shown signs of resistance to some commonly used fungicides.
Beyond resistance, there are environmental considerations. Many chemical fungicides linger in plant debris and soil, disrupting beneficial microbes and affecting pollinators. While these treatments may initially suppress the disease, they can also weaken the natural systems that support plant health.
Because of these challenges, many experienced growers are shifting toward Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, which focus on preventative measures and plant-friendly treatments. Rather than relying solely on chemical-heavy solutions, IPM encourages practices that reduce fungal spread while supporting soil and plant health.
A key part of this shift includes minimum-risk pesticide solutions, such as Lost Coast Plant Therapy. When used as directed, our Natural Plant Protector helps support healthy strawberry plants without introducing harsh residues that could affect fruit quality or the surrounding environment.
See more on how to implement sustainable pest management in your garden here.
How Lost Coast Plant Therapy Can Help
When faced with a widespread fungal outbreak, the last thing you want is a harsh, chemical-heavy solution that could compromise the health of your plants or leave behind harmful residues. This is where Lost Coast Plant Therapy comes in, offering an alternative approach that aligns with sustainable growing practices.
What sets Lost Coast Plant Therapy apart is its ability to support plant health while controlling disease when used as directed. Unlike chemical fungicides, it can be applied regularly throughout the growing season without affecting fruit quality. This is especially valuable for growers who sell fresh strawberries and require treatments that allow continuous harvesting.
Another key benefit is versatility. Lost Coast Plant Therapy can be used both as a preventative and as part of a targeted treatment plan. Many growers apply it weekly, particularly during high-risk periods such as rainy weather or bloom cycles when fungal spores are most active. If infection is present, more frequent applications can help reduce fungal spread before it becomes unmanageable. Since Neopestalotiopsis thrives in moist conditions, using our Natural Plant Protector after rain or irrigation could be particularly effective in preventing spores from settling and multiplying.
See more on how it works here.
How to Apply Lost Coast Plant Therapy for Best Results
Applying a minimum risk pesticide like Lost Coast Plant Therapy correctly is just as important as using it in the first place. Many growers make the mistake of applying too lightly or inconsistently, which reduces its effectiveness. To fully protect strawberry plants, complete plant coverage is key. A light misting won’t cut it, every surface of the plant must be fully saturated, including the tops and undersides of leaves, fruit, stems, and crowns. Because of the pervasive and spreadable nature of this fungus, saturating the soil around the plants can be just as important in prevention of this fungus spreading, as your thorough foliar application to the plants themselves.
When infected fruit is present, it’s critical to target the affected areas. Even if visibly damaged fruit is removed, spores can still cling to nearby leaves, stems, and soil. A thorough application of Lost Coast Plant Therapy helps reduce this risk, especially if applied immediately after fruit removal. Additionally, clearing out dead leaves and plant debris before spraying ensures that spores aren’t hiding in decaying material, where they can linger and re-infect healthy plants.
Timing also plays a major role in effectiveness. The best times to spray are early in the morning or late in the evening, when temperatures are cooler, so plants can receive the maximum benefit of treatments.
A weekly spray program is highly recommended during the growing season, particularly during bloom, when strawberry plants are most susceptible to pests and fungal infections. Preventative spraying before symptoms appear can dramatically reduce the likelihood of an outbreak. If the season has been particularly wet or humid, increasing the frequency of applications to every 3-5 days provides an extra layer of protection.
See more instructions here.
Soil and Drainage: How to Protect Your Plants from Infected Soil
Soil health is often underestimated in disease management, yet it plays a huge role in preventing strawberry fungus. Many fungal infections, including Neopestalotiopsis, don’t just affect leaves and fruit, they also thrive in the soil. If your soil is already harboring spores, controlling the disease above ground won’t be enough. A strong prevention strategy starts from the ground up.
Support Soil Health & Disease Resistance
Strawberry plants that receive balanced nutrition and grow in well-draining soil are naturally more resistant to fungal infections. Maintaining proper soil pH (5.5–6.5) and enriching the soil with organic matter helps plants develop stronger root systems, improving their ability to fight off pathogens. Healthier roots mean better nutrient uptake and resilience, reducing the plant’s vulnerability to stress and disease.
Preventing Reinfection from Soil
One of the biggest risks with infected soil is that it allows fungal spores to persist between growing seasons, meaning strawberry fields can become reinfected year after year. This is especially common in regions with a long history of strawberry production, such as Florida, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, where persistent outbreaks continue to challenge growers. If fungal spores remain in the soil, even the healthiest transplants can become infected immediately after planting, making early intervention and soil management critical.
Using Soil Drenches to Suppress Fungal Spores
For those dealing with persistent infections, applying Lost Coast Plant Therapy as a soil drench can help reduce fungal pressure before planting begins. Unlike synthetic fungicides that leave residues in the soil, our Natural Plant Protector washes fungal spores away and creates an unfavorable environment for disease. When used as directed and combined with good soil management practices, such as proper crop rotation and regular soil testing, this approach reduces the risk of reinfection and helps maintain a healthy, disease-resistant strawberry patch year after year.
Improve Soil Drainage & Reduce Moisture Retention
Improving soil drainage is the first line of defense. Neopestalotiopsis thrives in waterlogged conditions, and standing water increases the likelihood of fungal infections taking hold. If your strawberry patch struggles with drainage, consider planting strawberries in raised beds or mounded rows, which allow excess moisture to drain away from the roots instead of pooling in the soil. Incorporating organic matter like compost, aged mulch, or coconut coir can loosen compacted soil, improving both drainage and aeration.
When to Harvest: Protecting Your Ripe Fruit from Infection
Harvesting strawberries is one of the most rewarding parts of growing them, but it’s also a critical moment for disease prevention. A single misstep, whether through improper handling, moisture retention, or poor storage, can turn a beautiful, ripe harvest into a breeding ground for fungal spores. When strawberries reach peak ripeness, they become more susceptible to infections, particularly botrytis fruit rot and Neopestalotiopsis, making it essential to follow careful harvesting and post-harvest handling techniques.
One of the most common mistakes during harvest is spreading fungal spores through improper picking techniques. Ripe strawberries are delicate, and rough handling can bruise the fruit, creating openings where fungal spores can take hold. Instead of pulling the berry off the plant, which can tear the stem and leave exposed tissue, it’s best to use sharp scissors or garden snips, cutting the stem just above the berry. Leaving a short section of stem attached helps protect the fruit from direct exposure to airborne spores while also minimizing bruising.
Even after picking, how the fruit is handled plays a huge role in preventing fungal infections. Be careful with placing newly harvested strawberries in deep containers, these trap moisture and accelerate spoilage. Instead, spreading them out in a single layer in shallow, ventilated trays allows for better airflow, keeping them fresher for longer. If you’re storing strawberries, never wash them until just before eating, excess moisture encourages mold growth and shortens shelf life.
Air circulation is another important factor in post-harvest protection. If strawberries are stored in high-humidity conditions or without ventilation, fungal spores can settle on the fruit, leading to soft spots and decay. If you’re harvesting large quantities, placing fans in storage areas can help improve airflow, reducing excess moisture buildup. If growing strawberries in humid climates like Florida or North Carolina, taking additional precautions, such as using dehumidifiers or breathable storage containers, can make a noticeable difference in preserving fruit quality.
For growers looking for an extra layer of protection, Lost Coast Plant Therapy can be applied as a pre-harvest treatment. A light spray a few days before harvest can help reduce the fungal load on plant surfaces, making it less likely that spores will transfer onto the harvested fruit.
What If You Already Have a Severe Strawberry Plant Infection?
Discovering Neopestalotiopsis in your strawberry patch doesn’t mean all hope is lost. The key is to act quickly to contain the outbreak and give your remaining plants a fighting chance before the fungus spreads further.
The first step is establishing an aggressive spray routine to wash away spores and slow fungal spread. At the same time, infected plants must be removed with extreme caution to avoid spreading spores to nearby healthy plants. Uprooting plants too aggressively can send spores airborne, infecting surrounding soil and transplants. Instead, cut out diseased sections with sterilized pruning shears, placing infected material in sealed bags before disposal. If entire plants are too far gone, they should be dug out gently, minimizing soil disturbance to prevent spores from spreading underground.
For growers wondering whether they can replant strawberries in the same field after a severe infection, the answer depends on the severity of the outbreak. If the disease primarily affected leaves and fruit, proper soil treatment may allow for replanting in the same area. However, if the infection reached the crowns or soil, it’s highly recommended to rotate crops for at least one or two seasons to break the fungal cycle. Planting strawberries in infected soil too soon risks another outbreak, even if all visible signs of disease appear to be gone.
Conclusion
Neopestalotiopsis is one of the most aggressive fungal threats in recent years, but it doesn’t have to take over your strawberry fields. Growing strawberries successfully requires both science and careful practice, paying close attention to soil health, plant care, and disease prevention. By prioritizing preventative care and natural solutions, growers can keep their plants healthy and productive while avoiding the risks of over-relying on chemical treatments.
Fungal infections don’t appear out of nowhere; they develop in conditions that favor disease. The best defense is prevention, maintaining healthy soil, proper plant spacing, good airflow, and using preventative treatments like our Natural Plant Protector. When used as directed, Lost Coast Plant Therapy helps support plant health by washing away spores and reducing fungal spread, making it a valuable tool in any grower’s disease management routine.
With smart growing practices, proactive prevention, and an integrated disease management strategy, strawberry growers can minimize fungal threats and enjoy a thriving, productive crop for years to come.
FAQ's
What are the symptoms of Neopestalotiopsis in strawberries?
The disease, caused by the fungus Neopestalotiopsis, initially presents as leaf spot symptoms, with small, dark spots on the upper leaf surface that quickly expand into larger leaf blotches. As the infection spreads, fruit may develop sunken lesions, which can turn into extensive rot, making them unmarketable. Immature fruit is particularly susceptible, often showing signs of infection before ripening. If left unchecked, the disease will spread from the leaves to the stems and crowns, weakening the plant’s structure and drastically reducing yield.
How can I prevent Neopestalotiopsis from infecting my strawberries?
Preventing infection requires a combination of cultural and biological controls. Regularly removing dead leaves and infected plant debris helps reduce fungal spores. Maintaining proper plant spacing of 12 to 18 inches improves airflow and reduces humidity in the strawberry bed. Switching to drip irrigation instead of overhead watering keeps leaves dry and less susceptible to fungal germination. Crop rotation every two to three years disrupts the disease cycle by preventing spores from lingering in the soil. Using a preventative spray program during bloom, such as Lost Coast Plant Therapy, can further protect strawberry plants by washing away spores before they spread when used as directed.
How does Neopestalotiopsis impact strawberry fruit quality and production?
Infected fruit of strawberry plants suffer significant damage. Early infections on immature fruit appear as tiny brown or black specks, which deepen into hardened lesions. As the disease progresses, fruit will be covered in a gray fungal coating, rendering it inedible. The fungus also reduces the number of healthy fruit available for harvest, leading to lower yields and affecting strawberry production, especially in areas prone to humid conditions.
How does Neopestalotiopsis differ from common leaf spot or fruit rot?
Unlike common leaf spot, which produces small, round reddish-brown lesions that remain on the upper leaf surface, Neopestalotiopsis spreads aggressively, affecting fruit, stems, and crowns in addition to leaves. Unlike botrytis fruit rot, which primarily affects ripe fruit by turning it soft and moldy, Neopestalotiopsis causes deep lesions that penetrate into the fruit’s structure. This disease is far more destructive than other important strawberry diseases such as Gnomonia leaf spot or Phomopsis leaf spot, as it leads to complete plant collapse rather than cosmetic damage.
Why is Neopestalotiopsis particularly problematic in North Carolina and other humid regions?
Neopestalotiopsis contributes to disease in North Carolina and other states with high humidity because the fungus thrives in moist environments. Frequent rain, poor airflow, and extended periods of leaf wetness create the perfect conditions for spores to germinate and spread. In regions with little or no disease history, infected transplants or soil can introduce spores, leading to outbreaks. The disease is especially persistent in strawberry fields that do not follow proper crop rotation, making prevention strategies critical.
Can Neopestalotiopsis return the following year, and how can it be managed long-term?
Neopestalotiopsis can survive from one growing season to the next if infected plant debris is left in the field, leading to disease the following year. This is why proper sanitation is crucial, especially after harvest. Taking a summer break between strawberry crops can help reduce disease pressure by allowing the soil to rest. Implementing a weekly spray program during bloom can also prevent spores from gaining a foothold during the most vulnerable stages of growth. Long-term control of this disease requires a combination of cultural practices, preventative treatments, and maintaining overall plant health to reduce fungal pressure year after year.
See more FAQ's here.
Additional resources
Neopestalotiopsis Crown, Leaf and Fruit Disease on Strawberry - University of Georgia
Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberry: what do we know? - University of Georgia
Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberry starter material - Virginia Cooperative Extension
Fungus Threatening Strawberry Crop - SFN Today
Neopestalotiopsis Leaf, Fruit, and Crown Rot of Strawberry - NC State Extension
