Question of the Week – Growing Under Plastic

What is going on with this strawberry plant?

This plant was growing under the plastic where it was deprived of sunlight. It seems that with each strawberry season we find new issues with the crop. Whether it is a disease, virus or new insect pest, strawberries keep us on our toes. From a distance this strawberry plant looked a bit funny…maybe a strange new virus? Well, upon taking a closer look at the plant and the plastic around it, it’s apparent that the issue here was not a pest or disease. This plant had been growing under the plastic for some time and had been reaching out to find the sunlight, causing the strange growth and pale color. Now the hole in the plastic has been widened, exposing this strange looking growth. The takeaway here is that you should always take a closer look when you see something strange in the field!

This week’s question is from Sarah Scott, Midlands Fruit and Vegetable Agent.