Controlling strawberry fruit rots with the alternative of fungicides

Abstract

Strawberry fruits are subjected to many pathogens, especially the necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea . Many salt compounds, plant extracts, and bio-agents were used to control gray mold in strawberry fruits caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea . All the tested salt compounds reduced the mycelial growth of B. cinerea. The salt KH 2 PO 4 was the most effective followed by the salt NaHCO 3 and CaCl 2 respectively. Fore disease severity, the highest concentration of any salt was the most effective in reducing disease severity. Spray strawberry fruits with three plant extract types, i.e., Garlic, Marjoram, and Thyme at two concentrations (10 and 20%) were effective in reducing mycelial growth. The highest effective concentration of Garlic extract in reducing disease severity was 20% compared with the other plant extracts and the control treatment. The results of the bio-agent experiment indicated that Trichoderma harzianum was the most effective in reducing the growth of B. cinerea in Petri dishes. In contrast, Trichoderma viride was the most effective one in reducing disease severity.