Red Stele
Phytophthora fragariae var. fragariae
5 host plants · Oomycete
Last updated
Red stele root rot of strawberry causes roots to turn red as vascular tissue dies. Affected plants wilt and decline despite adequate water. Plant in new sites or select resistant varieties. Improve drainage in affected areas. Remove infected plants promptly. Monitor your plants closely and implement integrated management strategies. Prompt removal of infected material helps limit disease spread Early detection and prompt management of symptoms help limit disease spread.
Use certified plants only. Set new plants in well-drained soil (no standing water in winter) where red stele has not been known.
Quick Reference
Management
Active during cool wet periods: spring, fall, and during prolonged cool wet weather. Plants planted into infested soil become symptomatic within weeks during favorable conditions.
Cool soil temperatures (50-60°F) and saturated or near-saturated soils. The disease is most severe in heavy clay soils with poor drainage and in low spots that collect water.
Cultural Controls
- Plant certified disease-free nursery stock.
- Plant only in well-drained sites; avoid heavy clay and low spots that accumulate water.
- Use raised beds to improve drainage.
- Plant resistant cultivars where regional Phytophthora fragariae pressure is documented.
- Rotate strawberry plantings to non-host crops for several years; the pathogen persists in soil for many years.
Host Plants (5)
Sources & References
Primary: PNW Plant Disease Management Handbook
- WSU HortSense — Strawberry diseases