Strawberry crinkle

Causal agent and disease type. Strawberry crinkle is caused by Alphacytorhabdovirus fragariarugosus, formerly known as the Strawberry crinkle virus. It is a systemic viral disease that affects the vascular system of the strawberry plant, disrupting metabolic processes, reducing photosynthetic efficiency, and leading to the eventual decline of the plant’s health.

Host range and damage. The primary host is the cultivated strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). This virus is considered one of the most economically damaging diseases in strawberry production worldwide. Infected plants exhibit significantly reduced fruit yields, poor fruit quality, and weakened vegetative growth, frequently resulting in the need to remove entire crop blocks.

Symptoms and signs. Symptoms typically appear as irregular chlorotic spots on the leaves, which gradually develop into a distinctive crinkled or puckered texture. Leaves often become asymmetrical and display severe deformation. In advanced stages of infection, the plants exhibit significant stunting, reduced petiole length, and a general loss of vigor, making them easily distinguishable from healthy plants.

Conditions for development and spread. The virus is transmitted exclusively by specific aphid species, most notably the strawberry aphid, Chaetosiphon fragaefolii. Transmission is persistent, meaning the aphid acquires the virus after feeding on an infected plant and remains a vector for the remainder of its life. Outbreaks are highly correlated with aphid population surges during favorable weather conditions.

Control and prevention. Because there is no curative treatment for virus-infected plants, management focuses on prevention and exclusion strategies.

• Use only certified virus-free planting material from reliable nurseries.
• Implement rigorous aphid control programs using appropriate insecticides.
• Regular inspection and immediate roguing of any symptomatic plants to prevent spread.
• Establish new plantations at a significant distance from old, potentially infected fields.