Problem with my Malwina Strawberries!

[Mal Chapman]

Have had same problem so contacted supplier Pomona Fruits and I have to say, although bad news, they replied promptly and are sending replacement variey of my choice. This is what they have told me:-
It's technical name is phyllody and is caused by interference with developmental genes, so that certain plant organs do not develop normally but switch to something else instead.

The most likely cause is infection with a mycoplasma. These have alternative plant hosts and can be transmitted by insects such as leaf hoppers. It is best to remove and destroy any plants showing these symptoms, to prevent the mycoplasma spreading.

We can send you 12 replacement plants but would suggest you choose an alternative variety. This is a rare problem (the last case we saw was many years ago), but if you have experienced the problem I think it would be wise to plant with another variety. If you can get back to us with your choice of variety, we will get some replacement plants sent to you.

[zazen999]

Not that rare, judging by this thread. I'd be onto my supplier also to get a different variety sent out. Those are truly horrible.

[da_ra]

Same problem here as well. Contacted the supplier and he came back to me today with the following reply:

"Thank you for your email.

I have spoken to our horticultural expert who has advised that the condition that you have seen is termed Phyllody and is caused by the ‘Green Petal Mycoplasma’. It is carried by the Leaf Hopper that is on Clover nearby and very occasionally turns up in the UK. Varieties vary a lot in their sensitivity to the infection but we think that Malwina is probably quite susceptible. It is unlikely to be prone to spreading but it would be advisable to remove any plants showing symptoms.

We would advise you to remove the plants as although it will not spread the plants are unlikely to ever come to anything. If you would like us to send you an alternative please let me know. I would recommend Cambridge Favourite or Irresistible (these are both reliable customer favourites) which are due in the Autumn.

Please accept my apologies for any disappointment and inconvenience caused.

If there is anything further I can do to be of assistance, please get in touch. I'll be happy to help."

Hope this helps, although not a good news, indeed...

[jane fairlie]

Problem with Malwina strawberry

Hi
This looks like strawberry green petal phytoplasma to me? It is leaf-hopper borne, and phyllody of the achenes ( leafing out of the seeds) only occurs in a few cultivars. I think it can be controlled by spraying with an insecticide, but maybe it would be better to start again with more plants, perhaps a different variety.

[zazen999]

Wow - thanks Jane. Thank goodness you came along with that info.

[marchogaeth]

Does it bother anyone else that magazine articless still rave about Malwina as the one for gardeners beacause it can't be grown commercially due to the fact that it doesn't transport? I'd be more inclined to think it was due to this response to bugs! I have never seen any warning anywhere about this problem and am genuinely grateful for this thread which means I'll not be risking buying them at all as I really don't want to use any sort of pesticide if I can help it that isn't made from soap or garlic/chillies. Just a thought - sounds a bit ranty now I read it back - climbing off the high horse now.

[veggiechicken]

Not ranty at all Marchogaeth. If the big companies are promoting a plant with an inherent weakness then they should be taken to task about it. Its being sold as part of the Alan Titchmarsh Collection - wonder if he knows about this problem?
Perhaps GYO magazine could/should run an article about it

[marchogaeth]

Perhaps GYO magazine could/should run an article about it

Probably wouldn't dare! Think of all that advertising revenue. Try writing a letter VC and see what happens............

[rustylady]

I think that this is a variety that most of us will avoid in the future.

[veggiechicken]

Probably wouldn't dare! Think of all that advertising revenue. Try writing a letter VC and see what happens............

That's right, set me up!! If I'd had some of these strawbs and they'd gone weird-shape I most definitely would be stirring the jampot!!
Like Rusty, I shall not be buying any, and will try to deter anyone else from doing so

[marchogaeth]

That's right, set me up!! If I'd had some of these strawbs and they'd gone weird-shape I most definitely would be stirring the jampot!!
Like Rusty, I shall not be buying any, and will try to deter anyone else from doing so

Honestly, I was just thinking "Regular, respected contributer. Terrier mentality. She'd be good." I thought you'd use the thread as the starting point of your gentle enquiry/campaign.

[veggiechicken]

At this rate, I'm going to have to buy some of those ridiculous strawberries, just so that I can start stirring - I mean, enquiring

[Si jam]

Not a major problem

This issue does hit this variety in the first year if the new plants have been cold stored prior to delivery.
Daughter plants from runners and the parent plant should be normal next year.

[marchogaeth]

This issue does hit this variety in the first year if the new plants have been cold stored prior to delivery.
Daughter plants from runners and the parent plant should be normal next year.

Welcome to The Vine. Perhaps you would like to complete your profile and introduce yourself properly on the Introduction Forum. In the meantime do you have any references for this very interesting information as I have always wanted to grow Malwina for its taste reviews but have avoided it because if I can get a problem I will.