Koch-Dean, M., Agricultural Research Organization, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Taanami, Z., Agricultural Research Organization, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Freeman, S., Agricultural Research Organization, P.O. Box 6, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel

Anthracnose of strawberry, caused by Colletotrichum acutatum, was first identified in Israel in 1995, when it caused major damage in nurseries and commerical fields. All cultivars developed by the Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), which are grown on >90% of the area, are susceptible to the disease. A program was begun to develop cultivars resistant to anthracnose suitable for Israeli growing conditions. Assessment of potential resistant parent lines and hybrid seedling populations, methods of inoculation of seedlings and selected lines are discussed. © ISHS.