Plants infected become stunted with less growth and smaller fruit. The causal pathogen has the ability to survive in contaminated soil for long periods of time.

This fungus-like pathogen infects strawberries, infecting rootlets; causing the roots to rot from root tip upwards, leading to a characteristic reddening of the inner portion of the root. The pathogen can be introduced with infected planting stock or contaminated equipment.

This test for symptomatic plants to confirm the presence of strawberry red core (Phytophthora fragariae) within your sample.

If you want to screen healthy plants or soil for Phytophthora Fragariae please see Strawberry red core (Phytophthora fragariae) in plants (non-symtomatic).

When sending plant pathogens and invertebrate samples from outside England and Wales for testing please email the Crop health team (crophealth@fera.co.uk) who will issue you with the relevant Letter of Authority to ensure your samples are not delayed upon entry to the UK.