Why do strawberry leaves turn yellow and what to do
Gardeners who grow berries in the garden often find the leaves turn yellow on strawberries. It is recommended that you immediately determine the causes of such a problem and understand the methods for resolving it.
Possible reasons why leaves turn yellow
There are several reasons due to which yellowness may appear on the surface of the leaf plates.
The landing site was chosen incorrectly
The main reason for the appearance of yellow spots on strawberry leaves is considered to be the wrong place for planting berries. Gardeners do not advise growing them in open areas, as the sun's rays can burn the surface of the foliage. It is recommended to plant them in shaded areas that are poorly lit by the sun.
Grow berries away from raspberry bushes and tulips. These plants can infect strawberry seedlings with infectious diseases. In addition, when choosing a place for planting berries, they pay attention to the acidity level of the soil. Acidic soils contribute to yellowing of stems and leaf blades.
Insufficient soil moisture
In summer, yellowness on the foliage appears due to lack of moisture and improper watering of seedlings.
If you water the strawberry too rarely, it will begin to absorb less nutrients, which will change the color of the leaf plate.
However, this does not mean that the plant should be often flooded with water. Too frequent watering leads to the fact that moisture in the soil begins to stagnate. Because of this, plants develop gray rot and other fungal pathologies appear.
Experts recommend watering in the morning and evening when there is no sun.
Deficiency of plant nutrients
Among the common causes of yellowing of strawberry bushes, there is a lack of nutrients.
Lack of magnesium
Magnesium belongs to the group of essential components that are needed for the normal growth of strawberries. He is responsible for the basic enzymatic processes of plants. Due to the deficiency of this trace element, the absorption of phosphorus elements deteriorates and protein synthesis is suspended.
The main signs of magnesium deficiency in the soil include:
- The appearance of light specks between leaf veins. Gradually, the light spot spreads over the entire surface of the foliage, after which it dries up.
- Falling leaves. All yellowed and dried leaves curl and fall off.
- Deformation of shoots. The lower part of the shoots becomes thinner and begins to bend.
Lack of nitrogen
In order for the plant to grow normally, it is recommended to regularly add nitrogen-containing fertilizers to the soil. If the strawberry does not have enough nitrogen, the bushes will stop growing. The surface of the leaves and stems begins to turn yellow and become stained. Also, nitrogen deficiency negatively affects the yield of berries. The fruits turn pale and stop ripening, some of them crumble. Without timely treatment and nitrogen fertilization, the bushes will die.
Boron shortage
Experts recommend feeding the strawberries with boron so that it does not get sick with bacterial and viral ailments. Also, this element is needed for seedlings for the development of stems and ripening of berries.
Most often, boron deficiency is observed when growing berries in acidic or carbonate soils.
The lack of a component is evidenced by the curling of young leaves and spotting on the leaf plate. Signs of boric starvation appear on the stems located in the upper part of the bushes. They turn yellow and gradually fade. In addition, all formed fruits stop ripening and begin to fall off.
Lack of iron
Iron is considered an essential element, since it is it that is responsible for photosynthesis. If you do not add iron-containing fertilizers to the soil, the development of strawberries will slow down. Light yellow spots will appear between the veins, which then completely cover the surface of the leaf plate. Signs of iron deficiency first appear on old foliage. Gradually, the spotting passes to younger shoots.
Most often, gardeners are faced with iron deficiency when growing strawberries in high acid soil.
Chlorosis and pests
Chlorosis is one of the most common diseases that cause foliage to turn yellow. Pathology develops due to an increased amount of lime in the soil. Signs of chlorosis appear on the lower shoots of strawberries. At first, the foliage turns yellow and deformed. Without treatment, the leaves will fall off and the infected bushes will die.
In spring, plants are attacked by dangerous pests that feed on sap from the bushes. The most dangerous and common insects include:
- ticks;
- midges;
- aphids;
- pennies;
- May beetles.
If there are insects on the surface of the leaves, the bushes are immediately sprayed with fungicidal mixtures and other preparations against pests.
What to do if strawberry leaves turn yellow
Some gardeners don't know what to do when the strawberry leaves turn yellow. There are several effective ways to eliminate yellowness on foliage:
- Mulching. If yellowness has appeared due to the development of a fungal disease, it is necessary to start mulching the soil. The primer is mulched with non-woven black materials. You can also use straw as mulch.
- Bordeaux mixture. This solution is used at least three times per season. Spraying is done in the evening.
- Wood ash. Experienced gardeners advise using wood ash when there is a lack of nitrogen fertilization. 80-100 grams of ash are poured under each bush.
- Copper sulfate. It is necessary to mix 250 grams of vitriol with 7-10 liters of water and 150 grams of lime. During spraying, 500-800 milliliters of the mixture are consumed for each seedling.
How to prevent yellowing of strawberry leaves
There are several preventive measures that will help prevent the appearance of yellow spots on foliage:
- Correct watering. The soil is moistened at least twice a week. At the same time, 5-6 liters of water are consumed for each of the bushes.
- Top dressing. It's no secret that yellowness can appear due to nutritional deficiencies. So that the bushes always have enough top dressing, they are periodically fertilized with organic and mineral compounds.
- Fungicide treatment.To prevent the attack of pests and the appearance of diseases, all strawberry bushes should be treated with fungicides 1-2 times a month.
Conclusion
Gardeners often complain about yield deterioration due to yellowing and wilting of strawberries. To avoid the appearance of yellowness, it is necessary to understand the causes of spotting and the main methods of treatment and prevention.
