These root rots are usually avoided by initially planting healthy plants in well-drained soil. Root rot is usually noticed when leaves begin to wilt, turn yellow or brown, and die. Symptoms commonly occur during warm spring or summer weather and may develop in a few days or take longer. If longer, leaves are generally yellowish and stunted before they die. Root symptoms of general root rot.
Root systems are small, dark brown or black, and rotted.
Since healthy roots may or may not have dark surfaces, determine root condition by cutting or scraping them. All of the inside of a healthy root is whitish, but the inside of a rotted root is partly or entirely brownish or blackish. Wash the cutting tool in soapy water and swab in rubbing alcohol after cutting. Root symptoms of strawberry red stele root rot. Cutting diseased roots before harvest reveals a reddish brown core surrounded by whitish tissue.