Cultural methods for controlling Botrytis cinerea Pers. in strawberry

Botrytis cinerea undoubtedly is the most important strawberry disease which, in conventional farming, is controlled by chemical fungicides during flowering. In organic farming, however, there is a need for the development of non-fungicide methods of control. In this review cultural methods for controlling B. cinerea in strawberry are discussed. Cultural methods here are defined as encompassing all aspects of crop husbandry which influence disease development, including less susceptible cultivars. Cultivar resistance, planting time and cultural period, production system, mechanical soil treatment, nitrogen fertilization, flaming, defoliation and sanitation are discussed. Although several methods have a documented effect in controlling B, cinerea, it is concluded that there are no methods-individually or in combination-capable of controlling this disease satisfactorily. Non-fungicide management of B, cinerea requires a dynamic and flexible approach to agroecosystem management. For a number of the methods discussed there is a need for further research before any decisive conclusions on their effect in controlling B. cinerea can be drawn.