Pharmaceutical species for preventing and treating strawberry diseases and insect pests in greenhouses

First, leaf spot disease—also known as "snake eye" disease—primarily affects the leaves, petioles, stems, and seeds. On the leaves, dark purple spots appear and gradually expand into round or oval lesions with a purplish-brown border and a gray center. These lesions resemble snake-like patterns without any black spots forming on them. The disease can reduce plant vigor and affect fruit quality if left unchecked.

To manage this disease, apply 70% chlorothalonil wettable powder at a dilution of 500 to 700 times during the early stages of infection. A second application should be made after 10 days. Alternatively, use 70% mancozeb WP at a rate of 200 grams per 667 square meters mixed with 75 kg of water for spraying. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are essential to prevent spread.

Second, powdery mildew mainly affects the leaves, but it can also damage flowers, fruits, fruit stems, and petioles. Infected leaves curl into spoon shapes, while flower buds and petals turn purple-red, preventing full bloom. Fruits fail to develop properly, becoming elongated and losing their shine and firmness. In the late growing season, infected strawberries may become unmarketable due to poor appearance and quality.

For treatment, focus on applying 0.3-degree lime sulfur solution in the affected areas. After harvest, cut back the foliage and spray the entire field with either 70% thiophanate-methyl diluted 1000 times, 50% bacteriocin-specific solution at 800 times, or 30% cypermethrin diluted 5000 times. This helps control the disease and prevents re-infection in the next season.

Third, gray mold is a major post-flowering disease that affects flowers, petals, fruits, and leaves. During fruit development, brown spots appear and grow larger, eventually leading to dense gray mold. The affected fruits soften, rot, and suffer significant yield losses.

To control gray mold, apply 25% carbendazim WP at 300 times dilution, 50% Kedan Dan WP at 800 times, or 50% fluocin at 500 to 700 times during bud to flowering stages. Timely application is critical to prevent severe outbreaks.

Root rot typically begins with the lower leaves showing red-brown margins that progressively wilt upward and cause plant death. The roots begin to darken and decay, with the central root turning red. This disease is often caused by overwatering or poor drainage.

To prevent root rot, before transplanting strawberries, treat the soil with 40% asparagus blue powder diluted 600 times. Apply the solution to the soil surface, then cover with a layer of soil. This helps eliminate pathogens in the soil, reducing the risk of infection and improving plant health.

Fifth, Verticillium wilt is a soil-borne disease that causes young leaves to deform, yellow, and develop a rough texture. The leaf margins gradually turn brown and die inward, leading to stunted growth and eventual plant decline.