strawberry image

Strawberry Diagnostic Key

Integrated Pest Management

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.

Strawberry plant with many dead brown leaves

Cold injury 1 week after cold event.

Rocco D Schiavone

Strawberry leaves with light discolored areas on edge

Strawberry plant 24 hours after cold event.

Rocco D Schiavone

Strawberry crown cut showing damaged brown tissue

Cross section of cold injured plant. Notice the brown discolored area.

Rocco D Schiavone

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.

Funding Sources

Funding was provided in part by the National Sustainable Agriculture Program: Sustainable Strawberry Initiative and the following sources.

University of Arkansas Division of Ag logo

Division of Agriculture Research & Extension

None

Walmart logo

Walmart

None

Author:

Research Specialist
Horticultural Science
 This NC State FactSheet can be viewed and printed at https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/publication/abiotic-disorder-winter-injury.
NC State Extension