What's eating my elsanta strawberry?

Elsanta strawberry is highly susceptible to vine weevil grubs destroying roots — its shallow root system is particularly vulnerable. Slugs, birds, and botrytis (grey mould on fruit) also cause significant losses. Aphid colonies spread strawberry virus. Apply vine weevil nematodes in August–September and net against birds before fruits ripen.

Grubs consume roots causing wilting and plant death; adult beetles leave scalloped leaf notches Apply Steinernema kraussei nematodes to moist soil in August–September; biological control is most effective when soil is above 5°C

Deep holes in ripening or ripe fruits; worst in wet summers on heavy soils Raise fruit off soil with straw or matting; use ferric phosphate pellets; go out at night to hand-pick

Colonies under leaves; crinkled distorted foliage; spread crinkle and mottle viruses Remove infested leaves early; spray insecticidal soap; replace plants after 3 years to reduce virus build-up

Ripe berries stolen; damage accelerates as fruit softens Net rows with fine mesh; peg edges to ground to prevent blackbirds from walking under