Management of soilborne diseases in strawberry using vegetable rotations

The influence of crop rotation on soilborne diseases and yield of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) was determined at a site infested with Verticillium dahliae microsclerotia and at another with no known history of V dahliae infestation during 1997 to 2000. The rotations studied at the V dahliae-infested site were (i) broccoli-broccoli-strawberry, (ii) Brussels sprouts-strawberry, and (iii) lettuce-lettuce-strawberry; the treatments at the site with no history of V dahliae were (i) broccoli-broccoli -strawberry, (ii) cauliflower-cauliflower-strawberry, and (iii) lettuce-lettuce-strawberry. The effects of rotation on V dahliae and Pythium populations strawberry vigor, Verticillium wilt severity, and strawberry fruit yield were compared with a standard methyl bromide + chloropicrin fumigated control treatment at both sites. Rotations did not alter total population levels of Pythium spp. at either study site. However, V dahliae microsclerotia were significantly reduced with broccoli and Brussels sprouts rotations compared with lettuce rotations at the V dahliae-infested site. Reduced propagules led to lower Verticillium wilt severity on strawberry plants in the broccoli and Brussels sprouts rotations than in lettuce-rotated plots. Strawberry vigor and fruit yield were significantly lower in lettuce-rotated plots than in broccoli- and Brussels sprouts-rotated plots. Despite no detectable microsclerotia at the other site, strawberry vigor and fruit yield were greatest in plots rotated with broccoli, intermediate with cauliflower, and lowest with lettuce. None of the rotation treatments were better than the fumigated control for all variables measured. In the absence of fumigation, rotation with broccoli and Brussels sprouts is an effective cultural practice for managing Verticillium wilt in strawberry production; whereas, in fields with no detectable V dahliae, broccoli is also a feasible rotational crop that enhances strawberry growth and yield. According to a cost-benefit analysis, the broccoli-strawberry rotation system could be an economically viable option provided growers are able to alternate years for strawberry cultivation.