Leaf spot and leaf scorch are two common foliage diseases. Leaf scorch produces small solid purple spots with rather undefined borders. When numerous they almost cover the entire leaf. Cultivars vary considerably in tolerance to these diseases. Foliage fungicides aid in the control of these diseases.
Verticillium wilt is caused by a soil-borne fungus.
In new strawberry plantings, symptoms appear about the time runners start to grow. In established plantings, symptoms appear when the berries ripen. Older outer leaves of infected plants wilt, turn brown around the edges and between the veins and eventually die. Petioles of the leaves may also turn red. Few new leaves develop and new roots that grow from the crown are short and have blackened tips.