Ohio strawberry farms hit by fungal disease, OSU steps in

By Farah Siddiqi

Strawberry season is a cherished summer tradition in Ohio, but a fungal outbreak is devastating crops and hurting both growers and families looking forward to U-pick outings. Ohio State University researchers are stepping in to help.

Melanie Lewis Ivey, associate professor of plant pathology and extension specialist at Ohio State University, said the disease, Neopestalotiopsis, or “NEO-P” is wiping out transplants before they can produce fruit. She warns farmers to be cautious about what they receive.

"They want to implement practices that will prevent the introduction once it gets into the field," she explained. "More importantly, we need to identify varieties that are less susceptible or resistant to this disease and that's going to require several years of research."

The disease is not harmful to humans but has killed crops across the state. Ivey says funding cuts to federal and state research programs have slowed the response, though OSU has provided some emergency funding.

Jeff Probst, co-owner of Blooms and Berries Farm Market, said his farm had to stop strawberry production for a season after plants died just weeks after planting.

"We had to walk away from growing strawberries for a year, eight acres and about 20,000 people foot traffic is a major impact on our business, there's just no real replacement for that," he said.

Probst added that he will restart planting this year and is hopeful he can get clean rootstock. Researchers warn the fungus can survive on boots and tires, and both Probst and Ivey are urging Ohioans to be patient, noting the strawberries are still safe to eat and growers are working hard to bring back the harvest.