Strawberries: Plants are wilting and collapsing in a young planting, plants suddenly collapse and die sporadically even though moisture is adequate.

Soil-borne fungi

Several soil-borne fungi can cause sudden death of new plantings.

Anthracnose Crown Rot

In southern areas, Anthracnose Crown Rot, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum fragariae, is common. This disease overwinters in soil and may be introduced into plantings through infested nursery stock. Verify identification with a lab test. More Anthracnose Crown Rot information

Strawberry plant with tan, dead old leaves. New, healthy, green leaves are present and one flower is blooming. Plant is grown on black plastic mulch. — Progression of *Colletotrichum fragariae* infection in strawberry.

Strawberry plants on black plastic mulch. There are three healthy plants and one dead, shaggy, brown stump that once was a strawberry plant. — *Colletotrichum fragariae* infected strawberry and healthy plants.

Pythium, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia

In replant sites, other root rot fungi such as Pythium, Fusarium, or Rhizoctonia are possible causes. Verify identification with a lab test. More black root rot complex information

Strawberry plants growing in sandy soil. Affected plants are small and may have no leaves at all. — *Pythium spp*. fungal infection.

Dead, shrunken, brown leaves and crowns of affected plants in soil. — *Pythium spp*. symptoms in strawberry.