Foliar or bud nematodes, identified as Aphelenchoides species, have been detected in strawberry fields within the Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg regions. These nematodes, contrasting with their soil-dwelling counterparts, attack above-ground parts of the strawberry plant, particularly favoring the crown area. This infestation can lead to significant damage, manifesting as stunted and deformed buds and flowers, twisted or crinkled leaves, tightly clustered crowns, reddened and stunted petioles, and flower stalks that may exhibit aborted flowers. Ultimately, a severe infestation results in the lack of fruit production.
Management of these pests is challenging due to the absence of chemical treatments. The nematodes' requirement for a water film to facilitate movement suggests that controlling moisture levels could be key in mitigating their spread. They can move between plants via water splash from rain or irrigation, and can also be transferred mechanically on wet foliage by workers.
Source: berries.net.au