Activity of Physpe (laminarin) in control of strawberry diseases

Abstract: Strawberry plants are susceptible to many pathogens, such as Botrytis cinerea, Mycosphaerella fragariae and Sphaerotheca macularis. Phytochemicals are intensively used to limit pathogen infections on strawberry plantations in Poland. Resistance problems, residues in fruits and protection of the environment require alternative strategies. In the present study the efficacy of Physpe (laminarin) in control of main strawberry diseases in field conditions was tested. Experiments were conducted in 2006 and 2008. Laminarin reduced B. cinerea infection by approximately 50 to 80%, depending on the experimental site. Its effectiveness in reduction of leaf spot symptoms was about 50% and almost 80% in reduction of powdery mildew. The use of Physpe in program with fungicides sprays could be acceptable for commercial use and gives possibilities to reduce the number of chemical treatments against main strawberry diseases.