Black root rot of strawberries is a very complex and serious disease that has been reported in strawberry fields around the world. Several pathogenic organisms have been associated with the disease; however, the soil-borne fungus Rhizoctonia fragariae is probably the most frequently isolated pathogen from strawberry roots exhibiting symptoms of black root rot. Several studies conducted in Connecticut clearly show that the root lesion nematode together with Rhizoctonia cause more severe black root rot symptoms than either organism alone. Other studies conducted in California have shown that water mould pathogens such as Pythium interact with Rhizoctonia to cause severe black root rot symptoms. Environmental factors have also been associated with this disease include soil compaction, excessive water and drought.
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