Strawberries: Leaf petioles have galls

Petiole Galls occur periodically in strawberry fields, especially near weedy borders. One or more galls may occur per petiole. The greenish to reddish galls are 1 to 4 inches in length and somewhat segmented in appearance. Galls have 10 to 35 or more central chambers inside, each containing a small single white larva. The causal insect is not known.

Petiole galls appear to have no serious economic impact on the plants. Removal and disposal of affected stems may prevent further attack by the causal insect.

Strawberry crown with one stem gall. Stem is swollen and red. The gall is not an isolated bump but rather a swelling along the length of the stem.

Strawberry leaf with swollen, red regions on petiole.

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