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HomeStrawberriesStrawberries: Fruit exhibit a dry rot prior to harvest and have a bad odor/flavor (Leather rot)

Strawberries: Fruit exhibit a dry rot prior to harvest and have a bad odor/flavor (Leather rot)

Leather rot, caused by the soil-borne fungus Phytophthora cactorum, occurs when infested soil splashes onto developing fruit.

Two rotted strawberry fruit cut in half lengthwise. One fruit is brick red inside and has mushy appearance. Other fruit is brown and has leathery, dry appearance.

More information:

Leather Rot
Leather Rot of Strawberry (Ohio State)
Notes on Strawberry Diseases: Leather Rot (OMAFRA)
Strawberry Leather Rot (UC Davis)

Use these resources if you need additional help with diagnosis and to find solutions to your problem.