Why do strawberries curl leaves and what should I do?

If, when inspecting strawberry beds, twisted sheets were seen, you can immediately conclude that the culture is sick.In this case, if urgent measures are not taken, there will be a deterioration in the yield both in quantitative terms and in its quality.

As a rule, if strawberries have leaves curled up, this indicates either viral diseases, or a fungus, or an attack of ticks. The reason may also be improper care. For example, if the rules of crop rotation were violated, the bed did not receive enough nutrition and moisture, or the plant was periodically burnt, then the result of all this may be that the sheets were folded. In addition, in aged plants, leaves often curl due to age, if the culture is not rejuvenated in a timely manner.

This berry requires regular watering and feeding, because otherwise, the leaf plates dry and roll up the boat. Plants that lack the necessary substances are incapable of adequate development. In addition to the above reasons, there are other violations of agricultural technology. For example, excessive watering or non-compliance with instructions for the introduction of chemical solutions also lead to the appearance of twisted sheets.

The main pest attacking the strawberry is a transparent tick. This insect is very dangerous, because it lives almost everywhere, is not afraid of low temperatures, and most of the funds used against it. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to reduce the impact of the tick. In general, you can guess the appearance of the pest by examining the bushes.

If the young leaves grow already wrinkled and too small in size, and the existing ones turn inward, become covered with unpleasant oil spots and even dry up, this indicates a tick. In addition, the yield usually decreases, the plant growth slows down, and it begins to endure lower temperatures worse.

If the strawberry is sick with powdery mildew, then the leaves will bend upwards and darken from the bottom, then acquire a whitish plaque. The young leaves appear devoid of pigment and curly, and the berries themselves - with a spoiled taste and appearance.

This disease occurs in cases where the culture is in a space with high humidity. In the case when the powdery mildew is activated at the beginning of the season, the result is a loss of the crop, and sometimes the complete destruction of the bushes. In the case when it occurs closer to the fall, the culture will deteriorate its ability to tolerate low temperatures.

Viral diseases are often spread by pests or transmitted through untreated tools. In addition to the twisted leaves, they are characterized by ugly berries and the disappearance of the whiskers. Problems and delivers aphid - an insect that feeds on the sap of the plant, even leads to the disappearance of the crop.

When choosing a remedy for treatment, it is important, first, to understand whether it is possible at all. For example, in the case of viral diseases, it will not be possible to save strawberries - the affected bushes will have to be dug up and burned. Secondly, plants affected by powdery mildew need to be mowed, and then twice processed rosettes fungicide.

Processing is best done on cloudy, but dry days. If this is not possible, then it is necessary to make preparations when the presence of the sun is minimal. When a fight with aphids occurs, the culture needs to be processed with such drugs as Intavir and Aktara. Among folk remedies, gardeners choose herbal decoctions, tinctures of tops of tomatoes or potatoes with soap, vinegar diluted in water, and also wood ashes mixed with tobacco.

To expel the tick, plantings are sprayed with Fufanon and Karbofos. In addition to them, the treatment of infusion of onion peel and infusion of garlic.

The main prevention of curling strawberry leaves is the observance of the rules of planting and caring for the crop. Rejuvenation should occur at least once every five years - just then young shoots populate a new place. Acidic soils are important to normalize about a year before the planting of strawberries, because being on such grounds, the plant will not be able to fully absorb the nutrients. Acid is regulated by making lime mortar or dolomite flour. In addition, before planting, it is important to adjust the nutritional status of the beds, that is, to make organic and mineral fertilizers containing all the necessary elements.

Placing the bushes in the garden, it is important to observe the necessary intervals, otherwise they will fight with each other for the available nutrients. In addition, the regular harvesting of dried parts, excessive whiskers, and weeds are important. To feed the culture to be several times during the vegetative season, following the general recommendations. Watering should be carried out regularly, so that the soil was always moist at least twenty-five centimeters deep. It is especially important to follow this rule when there is a drought. However, already starting with the appearance of buds, the amount of water should be adjusted downwards so as not to provoke the appearance of rot.

The beds are periodically mulched to retain moisture in the ground. In addition, gardeners recommend using a drug such as "Zircon" - it increases the ability of strawberries to tolerate dry, hot weather. Immediately it should be mentioned that sometimes excessive zeal can also lead to leaf curling. If irrigation is carried out with solutions with a high concentration of fertilizers or growth stimulants, it is quite possible to burn surfaces, which again leads to the deformation of the leaves. It is important to mention that the beds should be sufficiently lit, regularly, but moderately watered, ideally using a drip irrigation system, and littered.

To prevent the occurrence of a transparent strawberry mite, you need to start at the seedling stage - hold it for fifteen minutes in water with a temperature of about 46 degrees Celsius, and then cool.

In the event that the plant is already in the garden, it will need to be poured with water heated to 60 degrees Celsius during the period when the snow melts. At the end of the season, when all the strawberries are already collected, the bushes are steamed under a film of polyethylene. It is necessary to wait for a warm and sunny day, cover the beds and put a thermometer under the cover. As soon as the temperature in the improvised greenhouse reaches 60 degrees Celsius, the film can be removed. In addition, it is important to follow the rules of crop rotation: do not plant strawberries where the crop has just been grown or on neighboring beds. Every four years, the place for culture is to be changed.

In the case of a mite from chemical agents, experts advise to pay attention to the “Fitoferm” in the amount of 2 milliliters per liter of water, as well as “Thiovit Jet” in the amount of 40 grams per 10 liters of water. Preventive treatment is carried out four times during the vegetative season: in early May, on the eve of the emergence of buds, at the end of fruiting, and also before leaving for the winter season. In addition, it would be good to use organics, also up to four times per season.

For this purpose, such infusions are prepared:

• Infusion of onion peel (for a bucket of water you need 200 grams).
• Tincture of onions (100 grams should be taken on a bucket of water).
• Garlic infusion (200 grams of fruit are required for 10 liters of water).

With regards to aphids, prevention necessarily includes compliance with crop rotation and planting schemes. Each bush should have enough light and air. It is very important to check the seedlings before planting, whether there are any pest eggs on them. Mulching and loosening the soil will also be a good solution.Finally, it stands next to strawberry beds to plant plants such as garlic, mint, calendula - that is, those that have a strong odor that can scare off insects.

To prevent powdery mildew, do the following:

• Treat culture with fungicides such as Topaz, Tiovit Jet and Prognosis.
• Spray strawberries to be two to four times per season and in dry weather. This should be done in the morning or in the evening.
• In addition, experts advise in early May, and after fruiting, treat it with a solution of copper sulfate and soap chips.

As a rule, 20 grams of solid particles are taken per bucket of water.

Prevention of viral diseases consists of several parts. It is important to constantly inspect the strawberries and in case of any symptoms, immediately remove the damaged plants, digging them together with a lump and burning them. It is important to root out the old bushes and remnants of the roots. Garden tools to be periodically processed, for example, potassium permanganate.

In addition, in all cases, it is worth choosing varieties that have innate immunity to the above diseases or those varieties that do not attract insects. For example, in the case of powdery mildew, preference is given to "Pandora", "Ruby Pendant", "Dukat" and others.

According to experts, an effective solution would be to spray the beds in the spring with a solution of Bordeaux fluid (one percent). Do not forget about the transplant - more than three years, the culture can not stay in the same place. If the cause of the disease is not clear, then you can try to spray the beds "Fitosporin" - reviews of this tool are quite encouraging.

How to treat strawberries for diseases, see below.