Strawberry Disorders: Identification & Management

Fatty acid organic herbicide

Suppress’ is OMRI approved non-selective herbicide and is a mix of caprylic and capric acids. This ‘contact’ material interferes with plant cells membranes causing leakage and desiccation. The symptoms are noticeable within minutes after application but the herbicide has no residual activity and does not affect plant parts or seed in soil that it does not contact. Thus, strawberry canopy will wilt rapidly and discolor but as in 3-4 weeks new healthy leaves will develop from the crown. The regrowth is expected for perennial weeds too.

Fig 1. Strawberry injury by spray solution (9% by volume) of fatty acid herbicide 'Suprpress' (top) compared to untreated San Andreas strawberry plant (below)
Fig 1. Strawberry injury by spray solution (9% by volume) of fatty acid herbicide 'Suprpress' (top) compared to untreated San Andreas strawberry plant (below)

Untreated San Andreas strawberry plant

Fig 2. Both strawberry and bindweed regrow in 3-4 weeks following 'Suppress' fatty acid herbicide application.
Fig 2. Both strawberry and bindweed regrow in 3-4 weeks following 'Suppress' fatty acid herbicide application.