Field production of strawberries
The strawberry plant
The strawberry is a low-growing plant with a short perennial crown on which the leaves are produced. The main roots arise at the base of the crown and together with numerous side roots, form a fibrous mass.
The strawberry is a low-growing plant with a short perennial crown on which the leaves are produced. The main roots arise at the base of the crown and together with numerous side roots, form a fibrous mass.
Choice of site
Strawberries are susceptible to spring frosts so it is important to make sure that the site is not a frost pocket. Frost pockets may be caused by anything which prevents the slow flow of cold air away to lower ground.
Strawberries are susceptible to spring frosts so it is important to make sure that the site is not a frost pocket. Frost pockets may be caused by anything which prevents the slow flow of cold air away to lower ground.
Pre-planting treatment
It is essential that the soil is free of perennial weeds before planting. Grasses can be killed using glyphosate (Roundup) but where broad-leaved weeds such as buttercup, daisy, dandelion, docks, thistles or nettles are present.
It is essential that the soil is free of perennial weeds before planting. Grasses can be killed using glyphosate (Roundup) but where broad-leaved weeds such as buttercup, daisy, dandelion, docks, thistles or nettles are present.
Growing systems
In this traditional system the plants are set at 90 cm (36") apart in rows with 42.5 cm (17") between plants giving a density of 25,317 plants/hectare (10,250 plants/ acre).
In this traditional system the plants are set at 90 cm (36") apart in rows with 42.5 cm (17") between plants giving a density of 25,317 plants/hectare (10,250 plants/ acre).
Early strawberries
Early strawberries are produced by protecting the plants with polythene covers either as low tunnels, floating films or portable 'French' tunnels.
Early strawberries are produced by protecting the plants with polythene covers either as low tunnels, floating films or portable 'French' tunnels.
Harvesting
This is the most important operation in strawberry production. Fruit becomes quickly over-ripe and once picking gets behind, subsequent harvesting is made more difficult as rotting and over-ripe berries slow down picking of the rest of the crop.
This is the most important operation in strawberry production. Fruit becomes quickly over-ripe and once picking gets behind, subsequent harvesting is made more difficult as rotting and over-ripe berries slow down picking of the rest of the crop.
Post harvest care
After harvest strawberry plantations are often weedy, particularly if the herbicide programme has been unsuccessful and the season has been wet. It is important to clean the beds immediately after picking since plants rapidly make new roots.
After harvest strawberry plantations are often weedy, particularly if the herbicide programme has been unsuccessful and the season has been wet. It is important to clean the beds immediately after picking since plants rapidly make new roots.
Diseases and pests
Botrytis or grey mould is a widespread and damaging disease of strawberries.
Botrytis or grey mould is a widespread and damaging disease of strawberries.
Essential machinery
A good sprayer is essential. Most products recommended for botrytis control are non-systemic and therefore good control can only be achieved where there is good coverage of the flowers
A good sprayer is essential. Most products recommended for botrytis control are non-systemic and therefore good control can only be achieved where there is good coverage of the flowers
Further advice and information
