The three-strain inoculum of E. coli was distributed onto the plants at time of planting, first runner removal (at 4 wk), second runner removal (at 8 wk), and one week prior to harvest (at 15 wk)(treatments ¼ 4; n ¼ 16 plants). Before inoculation, a plastic sheet was placed over the soil in the pot to prevent contamination of soil with inoculum. Plants were contaminated by spot inoculating each plant with 10 ml (106 CFU/ml) of the E. coli inoculum delivered in
1 ml droplets. Collected inoculum on the plastic sheets was placed back onto the plant to ensure that the strawberries and leaves captured the entire 10 ml of inoculum evenly. Plants were not
watered, fertilized, or treated chemically for the first 48 h to provide time for the E. coli to attach to the plant surfaces. Normal crop management was initiated >48 h to ensure plants received adequate amount of nutrients and water for optimal growth.