Question of the Week – Cold

What caused the darkened (black-looking) patches on these strawberry leaves?

This darkening occurred where the row covers were contacting the leaves during a cold event. While plants throughout the field sustained minor foliar burns from the cold, the row covers successfully protected the crowns. The new growth looks fine, and the plants will quickly grow out of this now that the weather is warming. As strawberries enter the bloom and fruit development stages, growers will be watching the weather carefully, ready to reinstall row covers to protect flowers and fruit from frost or freezing temperatures.

This week’s question is from Justin Ballew, Extension Fruit and Vegetable Research Associate.