Strawberry Leaf and Fruit Symptoms
There are a wide range of leaf and fruit symptoms – notably those caused by growth stress or pest damage - that could be mistaken for nutrient deficiencies.
If there is any doubt, check leaf tissues to assess nutrient levels and imbalances.
Examples:
Phyllody - the abnormal development of floral parts into leafy structures - generally caused by phytoplasma or virus infections with symptoms that can be mistaken for calcium or boron deficiency.
Marginal Leaf Burn – due to soil disease such as Verticillium wilt or crown rot, or salt damage. Symptoms are similar to those of potassium or manganese deficiency.
Leaf yellowing – due to herbicide or virus damage – can give rise to symptoms similar to those for iron, zinc or manganese deficiency.
Leaf Bronzing – resulting from red spider mite or wind damage – can be confused with potassium or phosphorus deficiency.
To identify if the leaf damage is caused by mite, check the underside of the leaf, with a x10 hand lens, for mite activity.
Fruit Bronzing – caused by insects, spray damage or weather conditions. When the bronzing is over the whole fruit, the cause is often an unusual spell of hot or cold weather. Bronzed fruit is often unmarketable.
Misshapen Fruit – following poor pollination due to conditions at flowering and poor water management – can be mistaken for calcium or boron deficiency. Hail damage can also give a similar appearance.
Albinism – due to excess N or overcast conditions during ripening can be a problem in certain varieties and can be confused with potassium or calcium deficiency.
Leaf curling or discoloration – due to cold temperatures or frost. Can be confused with phosphorus deficiency.
