Winter Injury/Cold Injury
- Type
- Physiological
- Leaf Condition
- Tip burn, Distorted, Marginal necrosis, Complete necrosis, Stunted
- Leaf Color
- Orange red, Blackish/Purple
- Leaf Location
- Entire leaf, Edge
- Fruit Condition
- Deformed
- Fruit Size
- Small
- Crown
- Crown necrotic, Internal discoloration
- Plant Size
- Stunted
- Flower Condition
- Distorted, Necrotic
- Field Distribution
- Uniform, Low areas
- Prior Environmental
- Wind, Temp. below 15°
- Season
- Early spring, Pre harvest
- Cropping System
- Annual plasticulture, Perennial matted row
Problem
Winter injury/cold injury.
Symptoms
Leaf necrosis entire and/or margins, stunted plants, dead plants, internal discoloration.
Similar Problems
Herbicide/chemical injury.
Additional Information
Visible within 24 hours of frost/freeze event.
Diagnostic Tips
Outer older leaves are more prone to injury along with stressed plants.
Corrective Measures
Sanitation and botrytis control spray may be helpful.
Management
Proper planting and establishment will reduce plant susceptibility. Avoid high nitrogen during fall/winter. Allow plants to acclimatize prior to cold weather. Protect plants from desiccation and extreme cold (< 10°F) with row covers, straw (matted row production) or snow to reduce damage.
Useful Resources
North Carolina Agricultural Chemicals Manual
Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium
NC State Extension Strawberry Growers Information portal
Funding Sources
Funding was provided in part by the National Sustainable Agriculture Program: Sustainable Strawberry Initiative and the following sources.