Symptoms of the disease include damage to stolons, leaves, flowers, and fruits. The pathogen thrives in high temperatures, typically around 30°C, making it a heat-related illness. The symptoms can be categorized into local lesions and whole-plant wilting. When stolons and petioles are affected, near-black oval lesions appear on the surface. These lesions often look like ulcers or sunken areas. Under high humidity, a pinkish bacterial exudate (brucella) may develop on the infected spots. In the early stages, the entire plant shows wilting, with only 1–2 young leaves drooping during the day but recovering at night. However, within a few days, these plants will eventually die. Meanwhile, new healthy leaves remain green and show no deformation. As the plant dies, the stem gradually turns brown from the outside inward, while the vascular bundle remains unaffected.
The pathogen belongs to the genus *Colletotrichum*, specifically a sub-genus of the strawberry anthracnose pathogen. It overwinters in the soil and on plant debris. Conidia are most commonly produced during the hot summer months, from July to September, and spread through wind and rain. Continuous planting without crop rotation increases the risk of infection. High levels of old or residual foliage, overcrowded plants, and poor ventilation also contribute to disease development. This makes proper cultural management essential for prevention.
Control measures include selecting resistant varieties such as Xinxing Star, Daxel Lake, and Baojiao Zaoxian, while avoiding susceptible ones like Lihong and Fangyu. Practicing crop rotation between nurseries and artificial gardens, along with careful management of plants and stolons, is crucial. Infected leaves, stems, and dead foliage should be removed promptly to reduce inoculum. In the early stages of the disease, applying 2% Wuyimycin at a concentration of 5 ml per liter, sprayed every 7–10 days for 2–3 times, has shown effective results. Chemical control options include spraying 75% chlorothalonil diluted 600 times, 2% agricultural anti-120 water agent at 200 times, or 50% captan at 500–800 times dilution. Additionally, 80% mancozeb at 500–600 times dilution can also be used for both prevention and treatment. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are key to managing this disease effectively.
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