Effect of DMI Fungicides on Plant Growth and Yield in Annual Strawberries in South Carolina, 2024 to 2025
Demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide use has increased in strawberry fields of the southeastern United States primarily for management of Neopestalotiopsis leaf spot, fruit rot, and crown rot caused by Neopestalotiopsis spp. Some DMI fungicides are suspected of stunting strawberry plants; however, very few studies are available that document this possible side effect. It is also not known whether stunting can impact yield. This study evaluated the effects of DMI fungicides propiconazole (Propi-Star EC), difenoconazole (Inspire EC), and flutriafol (Rhyme SC) in combination with Thiram on plant growth and yield in ‘Albion’ strawberries ( Fragaria × ananassa) produced at Clemson University Musser Fruit Research Center in Seneca, SC. Results from fall 2024 and spring 2025 applications inform growers about possible consequences when using DMI fungicides for managing Neopestalotiopsis spp. in commercial strawberry production.
Authors
- J. W. Hopkins (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0650-9188)
- Johanna Wesche (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6902-4690)
- Jhulia Gelain (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8707-2450)
- Guido Schnabel (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9642-1920)
Institutions
- Clemson University (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Plant Health Progress
- Published
- 2025-01-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1094/php-05-25-0144-pdmr
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Berry genetics and cultivation research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.75