Strawberries: Verticillium Wilt | Berry Diagnostic Tool

Verticillium wilt

Verticillium wilt, caused by the fungus Verticillium spp. is the culprit for the strawberry symptoms pictured below, although only a laboratory test can determine this with certainty.

Verticillium is most likely to occur in fields where potatoes, tomatoes or other solanaceous crops have been planted previously. Solanaceous weeds, such as nightshade are also hosts for the disease. Typically, the outer leaves of Verticillium infected plants die first, leaving only a few green leaves in the center of the plant. Some strawberry varieties are resistant to Verticillium Wilt.

Row of strawberry plants in field. Plants are wilted and limp.

Strawberry plants in field with brown, dead outer leaves. Inner leaves are green. Some leaves appear healthy, but most are curled and wilted.

Mostly dead strawberry plant. Most leaves are brown, but a few green leaves are present at the center of plant.

New growth and runner emerging from strawberry plant with old leaves brown and dead.

More information:

Verticillium Wilt of Strawberry – (Ohio State)
Verticillium Wilt of Strawberry – (University of Illinois)
Strawberry Verticillium Wilt – (Oregon State)

Use these resources if you need additional help with diagnosis and to find solutions to your problem.