U of M Gardening Information: What's wrong with my plant?

Strawberries > Whole Plant > Wilted plant

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After first year, plants in a field showing reduced vigor, often in low or wet spots or in areas where the soil is compacted
Roots appear ‘rat tailed’ and do not have fine fibrous root hairs
Irregular black patches occur along the length of the fleshy white roots
Interior of infected older woody roots turns black
Common in areas where strawberries have been grown for many years
More information on Black Root Rot...

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Plants start wilting and dying in the lower portions of the strawberry planting
Roots appear ‘rat tailed’ and do not have fine fibrous root hairs
Root tips are soft, discolored and rotten
If the white root above the rotten tip is cut lengthwise, the root core (or stele) will appear to be dark red
Common and most destructive in heavy clay soils or low wet areas
Favored by cool, wet spring weather
More information on Red Stele...

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Outer and older leaves droop, wilt, turn dry and become reddish-yellow or dark brown at the margins and between veins
In severe infestations rapid plant death can occur
Severely infected plants may appear stunted and flattened, with small yellowish leaves.
Brownish to blue-black streaks or blotches may appear on the runners or petioles
More prevalent in cool, overcast weather interspersed with warm, bright days
More information on Verticillium Wilt...

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