Outbreak of Verticillium Wilt of Strawberries in Central Florida. C. M. Howard, Professor of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Agricultural Research Center, Dover 33527. E. E. Albregts, Professor of Soil Science, University of Florida, Agricultural Research Center, Dover 33527. Plant Dis. 66:856-857. Accepted for publication 19 March 1982. Copyright 1982 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-66-856.

Verticillium wilt of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) was found in central Florida for the first time in 1981. Surveys showed that all infected plants came from two nursery fields in Michigan. The greatest percentage of wilt occurred in plants that were grown in soil that had grown potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) the previous year and was fumigated with 98% methyl bromide + 2% chloropicrin rather than 67% methyl bromide + 33% chloropicrin before setting the strawberries. A formulation of 50% methyl bromide + 50% chloropicrin at 420–470 kg/ha is recommended for control.

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