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Strawberries > Leaves > Distorted leaves
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Spider Mites
Tetranychus urticae
- Feeding on the underside of leaves causes a “russet” appearance to the leaves; leaves may become distorted
- In heavy infestations, webbing can be found on underside of leaves
- Adult spider mites are very small (approximately 1/50 inch in length), and are yellow to dark crimson, with dark spots
- Mites usually appear in late June-August; more prevalent in hot, dry weather
- More information on Spider Mites
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Powdery Mildew
Podosphaera aphanis
- Infected leaflets curl up, exposing undersides that often are reddened and coated with a grayish white powdery mildew fungus
- Leaves will eventually turn purple or red
- Common in mid to late summer
- More information on Powdery Mildew
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Cyclamen Mites
Phytonemus pallidus
- In light infestations, leaves are wrinkled and are slightly darker in color
- In heavy infestations plants become severely stunted and wrinkled, resulting in a compact leaf mass in the center of the plant
- Usually found along the midrib of folded leaves and under the calyx of the fruit
- Oval in shape, pinkish or amber colored, and shiny; 1/100-inch in length (not visible without handlens)
- More likely to be present in spring/early summer
- More information on cyclamen mites
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Strawberry Leafroller
Ancylis comptana fragariae
- Larvae feed on upper sides of leaves, secreting thread they use to fold and tie leaflets together
- Larvae are pale green to gray-brown in color, and are approximately ½ inch in length when mature
- Larvae present in May-June, and again in late summer
- More information on strawberry leafroller
