Botrytis

The major postharvest disease of strawberries is grey mould, caused by Botrytis cinerea. Infection can occur already in the field or later in the postharvest phase. It becomes visible as a grey mycelium on the strawberry surface. The diseased tissue has no distinct border and can spread over the total fruit and neighbouring fruits. The fungus growth is inhibited by lower temperatures. Further meausures are avoidance of wet fruit, and avoidance of fruit injuries and bruises.