Why are there dead leaves on my heirloom strawberry plants - Ask Extension
I set out a new row of strawberry plants in April. They were flourishing and putting out runners like they should. Then leaves with stem were on the g...
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Why are there dead leaves on my heirloom strawberry plants #879682
Asked August 01, 2024, 8:22 AM EDT
I set out a new row of strawberry plants in April. They were flourishing and putting out runners like they should. Then leaves with stem were on the ground. Now half the row is flourishing even though there are a few leaves off but half the row has gone backwards with far less leaves and runners. I have a huge deer problem here so the row is covered with wire hoops and deer netting. I see no sign of insects and it doesn’t seem rabbits would find their way in and break leaves off with a stem. I don’t want to lose my heirloom plants. I’ve moved them every place I’ve lived for 60 years. Help!
Eaton County Michigan
Expert Response
It's possible there is a nighttime feeding insect chewing on your strawberries.
Take a look at this article, then do some nighttime sleuthing to see if there are any insects causing the damage.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/what-bug-chewed-on-my-plants-last-night
Rabbits can also squeeze very small spaces. Look for rabbit droppings in or near your strawberries.
Thank you for your question.
