Inoculation methods of Colletotrichum fragariae on strawberry

Abstract

The anthracnose crown rot, caused by Colletotrichum fragariae Brooks, is an important disease of strawberries. The fungus also damages stolons, petioles, leaf blades and fruits. The inoculation of C. fragariae is necessary to ensure uniformity and appearance of characteristic symptoms of the disease in pathogenicity tests, variability evaluation of different isolates, efficacy of control measures and germplasm screening for resistance. This study evaluated seven inoculation methods of C. fragariae on strawberry and reports symptoms observed in each case. Symptoms of black leaf spot were mainly observed when the inoculum was sprayed on the plants. The best methods to reproduce wilting and crown rot were: 5 mL of inoculum placed on wounded crowns, a drop of inoculum placed on wounded petioles and crown injection.