Type: Nutrition
Leaf Condition: White netted spots, Tip burn, Distorted, Exudes sap, Marginal necrosis
Leaf Color: Marginal chlorosis
Leaf Location: Young
Fruit Condition: Deformed
Fruit Size: Small
Fruit Texture: Hard
Roots: Stunted
Petioles Condition: Death, Collapse, Exudes sap
Petioles Color: Darkens
Plant Size: Stunted
Season: Harvest

Problem

Nutritional disorder – calcium (Ca) deficiency

Symptoms

Younger leaves develop tip burn and as leaves expand they become cupped and distorted. Marginal leaf yellowing can also occur with more severe deficiencies. Petioles can develop darken lesions. Fruit are smaller and have a hard texture. Root growth is also less.

Initial leaf necrosis of the newly developing leaves with calcium deficiency.

Brian E. Whipker

Initial leaf necrosis of the newly developing leaves with calcium deficiency.

Brian E. Whipker

Leaf necrosis with calcium deficiency.

Brian E. Whipker

Additional Information

Good root systems and environmental conditions that encourage evapo-transpiration through the leaves will aid in the uptake of calcium (and boron).

Diagnostic Tips

Leaf tip burn and puckering helps to distinguish this disorder from boron deficiency which results in distorted and thicker leaves. Submit a leaf sample for nutrient analysis. The sufficiency range for calcium in strawberries is 0.5% to 1.5%. Values lower than 0.4% are considered deficient. There are no published recommendations for excessive calcium levels.

Corrective Measures

Take a soil and tissue test to determine nutrient levels. Make adjustments based on those test results and the lab’s recommendations.

Management

Conduct a soil test prior to planting the crop to determine if pre-plant fertilizer applications are required. Fertilizer can also be injected to the crop during active growth. Recommendations vary by soil type and your location, so check with local resources for guidelines.