N.S. strawberry growers keep watch for possible fungal disease in crop

A strawberry disease known as Neopestalotiopsis, a fungal pathogen, has made its way to Prince Edward Island and is causing concern for farmers in Colchester County, Nova Scotia. Jonathan Millen, farm manager at Millen Farms, is worried about the potential impact of this disease on his crops. While he hasn’t seen it on his strawberries yet, he believes it’s only a matter of time before it reaches his region.

Neopestalotiopsis is a devastating disease that can quickly destroy an entire crop within a few days. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for this fungal pathogen. Some fungicide spray practices may help to mitigate the spread of the disease, but they are not a foolproof solution. Philip Keddy, vice-president of Horticulture Nova Scotia, advises farmers to be on the lookout for brown spots on their leaves, which are a common symptom of Neopestalotiopsis.

Farmers in the southern United States have been struggling to eradicate this disease with little success, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead for Nova Scotia farmers. Keddy suggests implementing a spraying program for new plants to reduce the risk of further spread. He emphasizes the importance of starting with clean plants and maintaining a consistent spray program in the first few years of growth.

Both Millen and Keddy stress the need for more information and education from government agencies to help farmers combat Neopestalotiopsis. In addition to the threat of the disease, Millen is also concerned about the impact of excessive rain on his crops. The frequent rainfall in Nova Scotia over the past few months has the potential to negatively affect strawberry production, as seen in previous years.

With the strawberry season fast approaching, farmers like Millen are hoping for a drier summer to avoid potential crop losses. It is essential for farmers to stay vigilant and take proactive measures to protect their crops from Neopestalotiopsis and other potential threats. By staying informed and implementing best practices, farmers can mitigate the risks and ensure a successful strawberry season.