Root rot caused by the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora is a common problem on strawberries in North Carolina, and once present, can persist in the soil to re-infect the next year’s plants during establishment in the fall. Where Phytophthora has been an issue, fall management is critical to prevent disease establishment before winter. Phytophthora crown rot often originates from infected transplants, not just soil. Protection should begin early in the season.

• Rate: 1.0 pt per acre (0.5 lb ai)
• Timing:
  • For new plantings, make the first application soon after planting once overhead irrigation for plant establishment has ended.
  • Make the second application 30 days before the beginning of harvest or at fruit set.
  • Make the third application during harvest, depending on disease pressure and environmental conditions.
• Application limits:
  • Do not exceed three applications per crop, allowing at least 30 days between each. Apply no more than 1.0 pt per acre (0.5 lb ai) per application and no more than 3.0 pt per acre per year (1.5 lb ai per acre). For field nurseries, limit to 2.0 pt per acre per year (1.0 lb ai per acre). Do not apply in strawberry field nurseries east of the Rocky Mountains.

• Rate: 28 fl oz per acre is recommended
  • The Orondis Gold label lists 3.2 fl oz per 1,000 row feet, equivalent to 28 fl oz/A at a broadcast rate.
  • Do not reduce the rate based on band width or drip spacing.
  • Research from the University of Florida shows strong efficacy at this rate, with no significant improvement at higher rates (62 fl oz/A).
  • Florida studies found that spot applications into planting holes performed similarly to drip applications, suggesting that localized spot treatments in problem areas may be an effective option if full-field treatment is not needed.
• Timing:
  • For new plantings, make the first application soon after planting once overhead irrigation for plant establishment has ended.
  • A second application can be made about 30 days before harvest or at fruit set, depending on disease pressure and weather conditions.
• Application limits:
  • The label allows up to two applications at the max (62 fl oz) rate or up to six applications per year at the lowest rate (20 fl oz), with a minimum 30-day interval between applications.
  • At 28 fl oz/A, two well-spaced fall applications can be made, with potential for up to two more in spring (keeping in mind the preharvest interval).
  • No more than two sequential applications should be made before rotating to a different mode of action for resistance management.

• See Southeast Region Strawberry Guide for other planting and early post-planting disease management options on plasticulture production
• See 2025 North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual.
• The NC State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic provides diagnostic and control recommendations.