transplanted to the field. The plants received from nurseries in the north are partially dormant

because it is important to have a plant with enough starch in the roots to establish itself in the

field, and then begin flowering. If the plants receive too many hours below 45*F, resulting in

total dormancy, vegetative growth would be enhanced for several months and little flowering

would occur (Albregts and Howard, 1984).


Diseases

 Methyl bromide is used as a method of control for several diseases found in strawberry

production including black root, Rhizoctonia bud rot, Rhizoctonia hard brown rot and

Verticillium wilt.

 Black root is a complex of organisms which causes stunting of plants, blackening, and

decay of roots as a result of lack of oxygen in the soil (Hochmuth, 1988c). Cultural practices

recommended for control of black root include digging around the plants in the nursery which

provides soil aeration and aids in new root development. In Table 4.6, the chemicals that can

be used to control black root are listed. The principal chemicals are chloropicrin, methyl

bromide, and Vapam.