Susy wrote:Thank you for your replies. The problem is not shading or lack of berries. It does already have berries (very yummy ones!) but I heard there's something called verticillium rot. That strawberries can't be planted near where tomatoes or peppers once grew in the last 3 years. Or is it ok if all the plants are still alive?
Ah! I follow your train of thought Susy.
If your toms are growing well then they are not suffering from this problem.
Verticillium wilt can indeed be a serious problem in both these crops and peppers are also a host....but...if there is no sign of wilt by now in your plants I would guess that you are clear of it.
Strawberries are more suseptible in their maiden year and usually shake off the disease by year two and crop as normal.
The disease is soil born so it pays to keep the area around the plants clear of leaf debris.
There are two strains of Verticillium. The first V.albo-atrum is inhibited by temps above 25c.so a warm summer keeps it in check anyway.The other V.dahliae does need chemical control if you get an infection. as the pathogen survives in the soil for a considerable period of time.