Development of Sustainable Disease Management Strategies in Strawberry Production in Benguet, Philippines

A Review

Abstract

Strawberry is grown only in Benguet Province because of its unique climatic conditions required by the crop. It has been a lucrative source of income for farmers adding revenue as well to the province of Benguet . However, diseases are important limiting factors in strawberry production in the area. This paper enumerated the fungal , bacterial and nematode diseases of strawberry, described their specific symptoms, and discussed the potential of the disease management strategies developed. Based on soil and plant samples collected from the strawberry- growing areas in Baguio City and Benguet Province, the following major diseases and nematode pests were identified: Verticillium wilt, red stele, leaf scorch, leaf spot, leaf blight, gray mold while the major nematode pests observed include the root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus penetrans) and strawberry crimp nematode (Aphelenchoides fragariae).

Among the six strawberry cultivars evaluated, only Sweet Charlie, the most preferred strawberry cultivar by the Benguet farmers was found to be resistant to some fungal pathogens and root lesion nematode. The following disease management options have shown potential in the management of the above diseases: use of indigenous mulching materials, crop rotation with broccoli, use of biocontrol agents, and application of baking soda.