Fungal disease threatens Norwegian strawberry season after spreading through certified plants

Norway's strawberry season faces a significant threat from a fungal disease known as red marg, which has reportedly spread through plants certified by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet). This outbreak jeopardizes a substantial portion of the country's domestic strawberry production.

The disease, identified as an alga-fungus, attacks the roots of strawberry plants. Its spores are highly resilient, capable of surviving in soil for up to 15 years, and there is currently no effective chemical treatment available. This long-term persistence makes eradication extremely difficult once an area is contaminated.

“

It is important to emphasize that Mattilsynet does not stamp plants as infection-free; we guarantee that they are produced in accordance with the guidelines for certified production.

Strawberry farmers Fredrik and Per Fredrik Saxebøl in Drøbak reported that they received 89,000 state-controlled Norwegian plants, which were certified, but still found them infected with red marg. This situation has caused considerable distress among growers who relied on the certification to ensure the health of their crops.

Marit Larssen Sekse, head of plant division at Mattilsynet, stated that the authority does not certify plants as free from infection. Instead, she clarified, Mattilsynet guarantees that plants are produced according to the guidelines for certified production. She emphasized that the responsibility for control and sample testing for red marg lies with the businesses themselves. This marks the first instance of red marg being detected in Norwegian-produced certified strawberry plants.

“

She emphasizes that the businesses themselves are responsible for control and sample testing for red marg in their production.