The root systems have a rattail appearance with few lateral roots produced. The disease is more disastrous in low, poorly drained fields during cool weather. There are no chemical or cultural methods for reducing disease losses, except to replant resistant varieties. The fungus does not persist in well drained soils. This is a widespread soil-borne disease of strawberries growing in cool, poorly drained soils.
Symptoms show up as a burning of the outer margins of the leaves.
Young roots turn black at the tips and die back. If Verticillium has been a problem in your area, consider a variety which has resistance to the wilt organism. Soil fumigation with a chloropicrin-containing fumigant is recommended when resistant varieties are not available. When using soil fumigants, follow manufacturer's directions and use caution in handling the material. The exact cause of black root rot is unknown.