A relatively new disease, neopestalotiopsis, or Neo-P, is causing economic damage to strawberry growers. The fungal pathogen was first reported in Ontario in 2020, but it is now threatening growers as far afield as Prince Edward Island.
According to a CBC News report, Compton's Farm Market and Berry Patch has shut down its strawberry U-pick operations for the season. Owner Matthew Compton says that a four-acre field has experienced a major loss in yield. He first noticed problems in 2024 and doubled strawberry plantings to 60,000 plants to compensate.
Neo-P is a fungal pathogen that affects both the leaves and fruit of strawberries, causing leaf spots, rot and stunted growth. Berries are still edible. As Compton says, the disease does not affect flavour or taste. It causes no harm to human health. It’s a plant disease.
Growers are looking to researchers and government officials for a long-term solution. In the meantime, the Pest Management Regulatory Agency recently approved an Emergency Use Registration request effective June 2, 2025, until June 1, 2026 for suppression of Neopestalotiopsis leaf blight and fruit rot in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The product is called Allegro® 500F agricultural fungicide.
Source : The Grower