MUTANT STRAWBERRY

Strawberry plants usually produce fruits that not only offer flavor but are also
attractive. However, sometimes they can yield deformed or ugly fruit. Deformed
strawberries can be so malformed that they don’t even resemble normal strawberries.
In addition to fruit deformities, strawberry plants can have leaf abnormalities.

Deformed strawberries are known by several other names such as buttons or

nubbins berries. They’re also called mutant strawberries, as well as monster or run
strawberries. Unlike normal strawberries, deformed strawberries can contain scars,
wrinkles or broken skins. Other deformities are strawberries with mold or decay or those
that are either undeveloped or too ripe.

There are two main types of misshaped strawberries. The nubbins and button
berries are the first type. The second type is referred to as cockscomb strawberries or
fascinated strawberries. Each type of deformity is caused by different agents and can
be lumped together in general groups. The button strawberries or nubbins are caused
by external damaging agents, while the other deformities are more benign.

WHY THE DEFORMITY IN STRAWBERRY DOES OCCUR?

The first reason is the most likely and has to do with lack of pollination. This can be
discerned versus other types of deformity by fruit that has variable seed size. The large
seeds were pollinated and the small seeds were not. This happens more commonly in
the spring after cool weather and frost protection in the form of row covers has limited
bee activity.

Another reason for misshapen berries is nutrient deficiency. Like all plants,
strawberries need nutrients. Boron is one of the most commonly deficient micronutrient
amongst strawberries, as it is prone to leaching. While boron deficiency causes several
symptoms, the most noticeable are deformed berries, asymmetrical leaves, and stubby
roots. To verify a deficiency in boron, a leaf analysis is required.

HOW TO AVOID DEFORMITY IN STRAWBERRY?

No one wants to grow deformed strawberries. But, occasionally, the dream of

harvesting bushels of bright red, perfectly-shaped strawberries dies a cruel death on the
rocks of reality. In plucking puny and puckered fruits, evaluate the conditions in which
the strawberries are grown. It may have a pest infestation or soil deficiencies or it may
have simply planted at a cultivar that is ill-suited to the location. For each problem,
there are usually steps that can be taken to remedy the problem that is causing the
deformed strawberries.