Problem strawberrys

[Brinjal]

Some of my strawberry plants are dying.  The leaves start go go brown around the edges then go completly brown and die off.  Any ideas what could be causing this.

[Clanad]

Diseases of strawberry plants usually manifiest themselves in two ways.  If it's a problem with the root system, the infestation should have a well defined shape and border in the plantings.  That is, it will affect several plants together, perhaps in a circular patter.  If the culprit is a mildew, such as Powdery Mildew, the plants are usually affected singularly (although it will spread to several).  If you've experienced warm humid days with rain and the plants don't have a chance to dry out, I would expect the cause to be a form of fungus such as mentioned above.  Not a whole lot you can do other than to really clean the beds this fall.  Applying a dormant oil which is sulphur based compound in the winter or very early spring will help contain this problem.  You can try a mixed spray containg Neem Oil, made from chrysanthimums.  It's environmentally safe and can be used on food plants.  Iv'e used it on other pants and it works fairly well. If it's a root disease such as Black Root Rot, the best bet will be to clean out the existing bed and replant with another cultivar.  At any rate... Best of Luck!

[shaneystar]

Clanad you seem very well informed!!Perhaps you could help me.I have a few leaves on my strawberry plants which are turning a reddish colour.I have got lots of fruit though ,just need more SUN to ripen them.!! .I am not sure if I over water them or not.Do they need a lot of water when they are in fruit?

[Clanad]

Shaneystar, I apologize for the tardy response.  We garden a great deal and have raised strawberrys over the years.  Here, in the western U.S., this can be a challenge.  Your plants sound like they are doing well, actually.  It rather depends on the variety, but here we are in late July and your fruits are beginning to ripen, so obviously they are not June bearing plants, but a variety of day neutral plants that bear fruit later in the summer and again in the fall.  The few reddish leaves are normal but watering is best done in the cool of the day and really best done by a drip system to avoid wetting the leaves.  If this is unavailable, then try to soak the roots under the leaves.  Cut back on water application when you see the first tints of red coming in the berrys.  This will produce a better tasting and somewhat hardier berry.  If they are a week or so away from ripening, I'd consider a light application of any good fertilizer...Seaweed spray is recommended and enhances the flavor as well,  but not absolutely neccessary.  Be sure to apply mulch and rotted cow manure (if available) this fall when you clean the beds. You should replace the plants after two or three years to reduce chances of disease build up. Best of luck!

[shaneystar]

Thank you very much Clanad .
Info much appreciated!! All I need now is some SUN!!!
I only have half a dozen plants and this is the first time I have ever grown them.

[Brinjal]

Many thanks for the replies.   I have been out of town and am late to reply.   You have all been very helpful and am tackling the problem as suggested.   Hopefully things will come rignt.  My one bed of plants are doing really well and and I am looking forward to a feast in a week or so.

[Brinjal]

HELP another strwberry problem.   My beds have been infested with black ants.   What can I do and what damage will these pests do.