Strawberry: Viruses

Biology

Crinkle virus, mottle virus, mild yellow-edge virus, and vein-banding virus commonly infect Pacific Northwest strawberry plants. They are transmitted by the common strawberry aphid, and can decrease vigor and yield. Usually, the only distinctive symptoms are dwarfing, leaf cupping, and yellowing. The “Hood” cultivar is the most sensitive. The Tomato ringspot virus, spread by the dagger nematode, can cause stunting and sometimes death. The Tobacco streak virus, which spreads naturally by unknown means, can also reduce vigor and yield.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Use certified virus-tested planting stock.
• Use virus-tolerant cultivars: “Totem”, “Shuswap” and “Sumas”.
• Do not place new plants next to old, infected plants.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• Chemicals applied for aphid control have not prevented the spread of virus diseases in strawberries, and aphid damage has not warranted the use of control measures; therefore, no chemical control is suggested.

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