Different bio-agents and biocides were applied under greenhouse and field conditions in two successive seasons (2010/11 &2011/12) to study their efficiency in controlling the gray mould disease on strawberry fruits. Trichoderma asperellum was the most effective one among the tested bio-agents, where it reduced the disease incidence DI% and disease severity DS% caused by Botrytis cinerea during the two seasons followed by T. hamatum and Bacillus subtilis. Blight Stop biocide proved to be the most efficient biocide in decreasing the gray mould disease and increasing strawberry fruit yield, while, Rhizo-N was the least effective biocide in controlling the gray mould disease on strawberry fruits. Increasing the interval time between sprayings increased disease incidence, where 6-days interval time were more effective than 12 days in decreasing the gray mould infection with all tested biocides. Spraying the plants with Blight Stop combined with Plant Guard was the most effective combination among the tested biocides in decreasing the gray mould incidence and gave highest yield. Fruit rot incidence on grown plants, under field conditions were decreased by spraying plants with each one of the tested biocides or combinations between them. |
