Rhizopus rot (Leak)—
Rhizopus spp.
Fruit with Rhizopus rot soften rapidly and collapse, leaking their contents. Under humid conditions,
fluffy white mycelium forms on the surface of decayed fruit.
Identification | Life cycle
Solutions
Fruit decays can be kept to a minimum by using raised
beds, plastic
mulch to keep fruit from touching
the soil, and drip or furrow irrigation to keep water off the foliage and fruit. Most important is
to make sure plants
are spaced far enough apart that there is good air circulation around the fruit. Dense plantings make a damp environment that favors fruit
decay. In cooler locations, you can improve the air circulation
around plants and fruit and reduce fruit disease problems
by using stepped planter boxes that allow fruit to hang
down over the sides. If sprinklers are used for strawberries,
always water in the morning so that plants will dry off
during the day. |
Mycelium on Rhizopus infected fruit
Leaking
of contents by infected fruit
|
