What causes strawberry leaves to become brittle? How to fix it
Many fruit growers encounter the phenomenon of strawberry leaves becoming brittle when growing strawberries. Brittle strawberry leaves are not a small problem; it is very likely a problem with root absorption, which is extremely harmful to strawberry growth, and it can also be caused by soil that is too dry or too wet. Below, the editor summarizes the causes of brittle strawberry leaves. Let's take a look.
1. Improper watering
Insufficient water supply to the plot and not watering for a long time will cause the strawberry plants to lack water, making the leaves dry and brittle. When the plot is supplied with too much water, it will also cause excessive growth of stems and leaves, with vegetative growth stronger than reproductive growth, resulting in fewer flowers and fruits, small fruits and low yield. Because the fruits absorb too much water, the sugar concentration will also be reduced, affecting the commercial value of the fruits. In addition, strawberry seedlings are not tolerant of waterlogging. If water accumulates for a long time, it will cause root suffocation and root rot, so the roots cannot absorb water normally, thus causing the aboveground leaves to wilt and dry up.
Solution: When watering, pay attention to watering little but often, and keep soil moisture at about 60%. That is, when you grab it by hand it forms a ball, and when you squeeze it no water comes out; when you drop it from waist height it breaks apart. The soil water content is then equivalent to between 60-80%.
2. Temperature factors
Low temperatures will affect the roots' absorption of mineral nutrients, very easily causing the leaves to droop, wilt and grow slowly, and it will also be accompanied by leaves becoming brittle. Under high temperature and drought, the closure of strawberry leaf stomata will likewise cause the leaves to become brittle.
Solution: In greenhouse cultivation in the north, ventilation can be used to lower the temperature inside the facility. The daytime temperature should be controlled at 20-25°C, and the nighttime low temperature should be kept at 6-8°C. The nighttime low temperature can reduce plant nutrient consumption and avoid excessive growth of strawberry stems and leaves. During the fruit-picking period, root nutrients are extremely important. When topdressing, you can combine application of Qingku Liker at 150-300 times + Diliwang at 300 times, or add humic acid fertilizer to nourish and protect the roots. Pay attention to the amount of plant growth regulators used, so as to avoid premature root senescence and affect yield.
3. Improper fertilization and pesticide application
When boron supply is insufficient, a large amount of carbohydrate compounds will accumulate in the leaves, making the leaves thicker and brittle. It will also reduce pollination and fruit-setting rates, leading to deformed fruits. Calcium deficiency also often causes the leaf tips and leaf margins to turn brown and dry up, young leaves to become brittle, and small leaves to be unable to grow normally after unfolding. When applying pesticides, excessive dosage or excessive concentration can also cause leaf aging and brittleness. For example, applying too many azole-type drugs can easily lead to this situation.
Solution: When fertilizing, pay attention to the supply of trace elements. When applying pesticides, it can be combined with foliar spraying of fertilizer. Keep an appropriate amount of calcium, boron and other medium and trace elements needed for plant growth.
The above is an introduction to the causes of brittle strawberry leaves and the solutions. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.