Strawberry Research Website

One research program focuses on strawberry diseases.  Goals are to develop a better understanding of the etiology of diseases of strawberry, the environmental factors affecting their development, and the best measures to use in control of those diseases. Strawberries are one of the most valuable crops in Florida. The state produces around 16 million flats of strawberries every year, which represents 15% of nation’s berries and virtually all the berries grown during the winter. In 2007, 7500 acres were devoted to strawberries with an estimated return to the grower approaching to $250 million. In Florida, fungicides are applied on a weekly schedule with captan being the most frequently used. Diseases are currently controlled primarily by fungicide applications. An average of 30 lb of captan and 8 lb of thiram are applied to each acre of Florida strawberries. An important goal of my research program is to develop strategies to achieve control and minimize the dependence on the use of fungicides.  New programs using models to predict the need for applications and utilization of reduced risk products are being developed.  The etiology of Colletotrichum diseases of strawberry including crown rot, caused by C. gloeosporiodes, and anthracnose of fruit, caused by C. acutatum, are being investigated to provide a better understanding of the disease cycle with the goal of achieving better control.

For ornamental plant disease, the goals are to better understand the etiology of diseases affecting ornamental plants and to develop more effective control measures.  Production of ornamentals for use in the urban landscape is an economically very important endeavor in the area as Florida ranks second in floriculture production nationwide.  However, Florida ornamental growers face great challenges due to Florida’s favorable climate to diseases which are an important cause of losses and affect a large number of producers. A better understanding of these diseases will allow growers to more effectively manage these problems.

More on Dr. Natalia Peres' Research