TheNaturePlanet

Are you eagerly expecting strawberries to hang from the branches, only to find the flower buds withering one by one? Don't worry. Today, we will teach you how to accurately identify the causes and save them scientifically.


### I. Causes of Withered Strawberry Flower Buds

#### 1. Calcium Deficiency
Strawberries are extremely sensitive to calcium! When calcium is deficient, the tips of flower buds dry out, and the growing points die. This may also be accompanied by "blossom end rot" in fruits. Especially after continuous rainy days or excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer, calcium absorption is hindered, and the risk of withering soars!

#### 2. Inadequate Fertilization
The bud and flowering stage is the "gluttonous" period for strawberries. Lack of fertilizer will lead to weak flower buds that wither prematurely.

#### 3. Improper Watering
- Excessive watering: Causes root suffocation and rot.
- Insufficient watering: Results in dryness and shrinkage.
- Erratic soil moisture: Alternating dry and wet soil aggravates withering!

#### 4. Pesticide Application During Flowering
Strawberry flowers are delicate during the flowering period. Direct contact with pesticides can easily burn and shed flower buds. Even low-toxic pesticides may damage the flower蕊 (stamen and pistil) tissues, leading to pollination failure and withered buds.

#### 5. Pest Infestations
- **Thrips**: Suck the nectar from flower buds, causing them to turn yellow and dry out, with fine silver spots visible on the surface.
- **Aphids/Caterpillars**: Directly chew on flower buds, causing mechanical damage and spreading viruses.

#### 6. Salt Damage
Long-term excessive fertilization or irrigation with hard water leads to soil salt accumulation. Roots "dehydrate" in high-salt environments, and flower buds wither due to blocked nutrient transport.

#### 7. Poor Soil Conditions
- Excessive clay content and long-term lack of soil turning reduce soil permeability.
- Roots cannot breathe, fail to absorb nutrients normally, and flower buds become "dying".


### II. Emergency Rescue Methods

#### 1. Addressing Calcium Deficiency
- **Foliar Spray**: Start applying chelated calcium solution once a week during the bud stage, focusing on flower buds and new leaves.
- **Root Application**: Flush with calcium nitrate or superphosphate, combined with humic acid fertilizer to promote calcium absorption.

#### 2. Scientific Fertilization
- Use balanced water-soluble fertilizer + calcium-magnesium-boron foliar fertilizer during the bud and flowering stage, applying thin fertilizer frequently once a week.

#### 3. Rational Watering
- Water when the soil is dry, avoiding flood irrigation! Insert your finger 2 cm into the soil—water only if it feels dry, and water thoroughly each time.

#### 4. Pesticide Management
- **Preferred Methods**: Use insect-proof nets and yellow-blue sticky boards for physical control.
- **If Pesticides Are Necessary**: Apply after 4 PM (when flowers are closed) with low-toxic, systemic pesticides, avoiding direct contact with flower buds.

#### 5. Pest Control
- **Thrips**: Use spinetoram + spirotetramat, spraying the undersides of leaves and flower bud crevices.
- **Aphids/Caterpillars**: Use imidacloprid + chlorantraniliprole, combined with sugar-vinegar solution to trap adults.

#### 6. Remedying Salt Damage
- Immediately remove the plant from the pot, rinse the roots for 10 minutes to remove salt residues.
- Replace with new substrate: peat moss + perlite + coconut coir (3:1:1), and repot with organic fertilizer.

#### 7. Soil Improvement
- Replace with loose, breathable nutrient soil, adding rice husks and earthworm castings to enhance drainage.
- Loosen the soil once a month, avoid long-term use of chemical fertilizers, and use more organic fertilizers to improve soil quality.


By addressing these causes and implementing targeted solutions, your strawberry plants can regain health and bloom vigorously! 🍓