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Orange fungus on strawberry leaves #765297

Asked August 02, 2021, 3:42 PM EDT

Greetings! There are strawberry plants growing next to the front door entrance to my house. After carful examination I noticed a rusty orange colored fungus growing on the back of the strawberry leaves. I checked with the Michigan State University Extension Office online and found some information regarding the fungus but it only relates to brambles. I believe the deer are transmitting this to the plants in my neighborhood. I could be wrong but if the information I found is correct it recommends destroying the plants to keep the fungus from spreading to other adjacent plants. What is it? How do to properly manage it? What concerns should I have?

Ingham County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Justin,

Based on the image you sent this looks like orange rust - but this only relates to brambles.

I looked up Strawberry diseases from two (2) universities (which I indicated below) and nothing relates to your leave issue.

I don't believe it is deer transmitting this.

I highly recommend that you get a confirmed diagnosis of this disease from the MSU Diagnostic Plant Lab - Please include your image to the MSU Diagnostic Plant Lab. The lab strongly encourages clients to email digital images prior to bringing or sending physical samples. Images can be sent to <personal data hidden>. There is a $20-25 dollar fee (if they need a sample sent). Their website has the form and instructions: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/

I am guessing that the lab will probably want a sample to look at under the microscope

After the MSU Diagnostic Plant Lab lets you know and when you are ready to send a sample - Complete details of submitting a sample are at this link: https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/submit-samples/

Strawberry Leaf Diseases - Ohio State University at this link: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/plpath-fru-35

Strawberry Diseases in Michigan at this link:

https://archive.lib.msu.edu/DMC/Ag.%20Ext.%202007-Chelsie/PDF/e1728-1983.pdf

An Ask Extension Expert Replied August 03, 2021, 4:29 AM EDT

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