Arvensis organic management against Pestalotiopsis in strawberry

30 April, 2025/in academic, Products/by arvensisagro

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a crop of economic and social importance in Costa Rica, especially in the highlands of the Central Valley.

According to the 2014 National Agricultural Census, Costa Rica had approximately 232 hectares dedicated to strawberry cultivation, spread across 335 farms.

Main regions

Cartago (El Guarco region and surroundings)
Alajuela (Zarcero, Poás)
San José (Dota, Aserrí)
Heredia (Vara Blanca, San Rafael)

In the province of Heredia, particularly in the districts of Vara Blanca and San José de la Montaña, it is estimated that over 26 hectares are dedicated to strawberry cultivation, representing approximately 22% of national production.

These activities not only diversify income sources for producers, but also strengthen the social and cultural fabric of the producing regions. Many of these areas are also engaged in rural tourism, making strawberry an agro-tourism product.

Exports

In 2023, Costa Rica exported $2.92 million USD in fresh strawberries, ranking as the 32nd global exporter of this product.

Although strawberry exports represent a smaller share compared to other agricultural products such as pineapple or banana, they are significantly valuable to local economies, especially in rural communities where strawberry cultivation is a key source of income.

Crop characteristics

Production system:

Grown on raised beds, often in macrotunnels or greenhouses, although some are grown in open fields.
Imported plants are used (frequently from USA, Mexico or Spain), which may bring phytosanitary issues from those countries.

Crop cycle: Annual, though some areas manage two cycles under appropriate conditions.

Main challenges

Diseases such as Botrytis, Colletotrichum, and Pestalotiopsis (the latter has caused up to 90% loss in new plantations).
Climate change: Out-of-season rains and extreme temperatures affect flowering and fruit set.
Lack of technology and dependence on imported plants.
Market access and price fluctuations.

Growth challenges

The strawberry sector in Costa Rica faces challenges related to phytosanitary problems, such as the emergence of fungal diseases, and the effects of climate change. To address these, good agricultural practices have been implemented and the adoption of sustainable technologies is promoted to improve productivity and crop resilience.

Arvensis participated in a field day, collaborating with organic solutions for resistance and defense in strawberry crops.

Working with agronomist Eng. Henry Obando, among other strategies, the use of Glopper associated with Elysium has shown very promising results as a complementary tool, especially against Pestalotiopsis. In this way, the combined use of these two organic solutions, particularly in strawberry cultivation, provides a great preventive solution.

What organic solution does Arvensis propose?

Glopper is an organically certified copper, with systemic action, designed to correct copper deficiencies in plants and strengthen their natural defense systems.

As a complementary solution, Elysium can help us to confront the micronutrient deficiencies suffered by the plant in these situations.

Application of GLOPPER + ELYSIUM in Strawberry Cultivation

Prevent infections: Strengthens natural plant defenses, reducing the likelihood of Pestalotiopsis and other pathogens establishing.
Improve overall plant health: Correcting copper deficiencies leads to more vigorous and disease-resistant growth.
Organic farming compatible: Both products are approved for organic production systems.
Preventive use: The solution is most effective when applied before the disease appears.
Not curative: It does not eliminate already established Pestalotiopsis infections.
Part of an integrated management plan: Must be used alongside other practices, such as using healthy plants, humidity control, and crop rotation.

For effective management of Pestalotiopsis, an integrated approach is recommended, including adequate cultural practices, preventive product use, and when necessary, the application of specific fungicides under the guidance of an agricultural professional.