Production Technology Of Strawberry ....

Production Technology Of Strawberry

1. Production Technology Of Strawberry HOR204- Production Technology for fruit and plantation crops 2(1+1) Submitted To : Dr. M. Kumaresan (Hort.) Vels University of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies(VISTAS) Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu -600117. Submitted by: PRABU .S 2 nd BSc(Hons.) Agriculture Vels University of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies( VISTAS) Pallavaram , Chennai, Tamil Nadu -600117.

2. Botanical Description Botanical name : Fragaria ananassa Family : Rosacea e Origin : Europe Chromosome number: 2n = 8× = 56 Edible part : T halamus

3. INTRODUCTON Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch ) has distinct flavor and aroma; due to this, it gained popularity throughout the world.   The strawberry fruit is an achenetum , which is made up of a plump (receptacle) that develops from the flower receptacle and contains the real fruits.

4. Climate Strawberry grows well under  temperate climate . Some cultivars can be grown in sub-tropical climate. Daylight period of 12 hrs. or less and moderate temperature are important for flower-bud formation. Each cultivar has a different day length and temperature requirement.

5. Soil Strawberries grow best in a  deep, sandy loam soil rich in organic matter . The soil must be well-drained. Keep away from areas that remain wet late into the spring. The site should receive full sunlight and have a gradual slope.

6. Varieties June-Bearing Strawberries : These produce a large crop of berries over a short period in late spring to early summer. They typically have a more intense flavor. ‘ Earliglow ’ : Known for its excellent flavor and early harvest. ‘Jewel’ : Offers large, firm berries with good disease resistance. ‘Hood ’ : A late-season variety with exceptional flavor and sweetness.

7. Everbearing Strawberries: These produce fruit in cycles throughout the growing season, generally providing smaller berries than June-bearing types. ‘Quinault’ : Known for its large, sweet berries and continued fruiting. ‘Albion’ : Produces large, firm berries with a good flavor and good disease resistance. ‘Seascape’ : Provides a high yield of flavorful berries over an extended period.

8. Day-Neutral Strawberries : These produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season, as they are less affected by day length. ‘Tristar’ : Known for its consistent production of small to medium-sized berries. ‘ Camarosa ’ : Produces large, sweet berries and has good disease resistance. ‘Senga Sengana ’ : Offers flavorful berries and performs well in various climates.

9. Alpine Strawberries : These are smaller, but very flavorful and can be grown as a ground cover or in containers. ‘Mignonette’ : Known for its tiny, intensely flavored berries. ‘White Soul’ : Produces small white berries with a sweet, unique flavor.

10. Propagation Runners ( Stolons ) What Are They? Runners are horizontal stems that grow from the base of the strawberry plant. They develop new plantlets at the ends. How to Propagate: Wait for Runners: Allow your strawberry plants to produce runners, which usually happens in late spring or early summer. Prepare Pots or Soil: Use small pots or directly prepare a spot in the garden where the new plants will be established. Pin Down the Runner: Gently pin the plantlet (young plant at the end of the runner) into the soil or pot using a small stake or by burying it slightly. Root Development: Keep the soil moist and wait for a few weeks for roots to develop. Once the new plant is established, you can cut the runner from the parent plant.

11. Division What Is It? Dividing mature plants involves splitting them into smaller sections, each with its own roots. How to Propagate: Select the Plant: Choose a healthy, established strawberry plant. Dig Up the Plant: Carefully dig up the entire plant, trying to keep the roots intact. Separate the Plant: Gently divide the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has roots and leaves. Replant: Replant the divided sections in new spots or pots. Water well and keep them in a shaded area until they establish.

12. Seed What Is It? Growing strawberries from seeds is less common and takes more time but can be a fun way to start new varieties. How to Propagate: Prepare Seeds: Obtain strawberry seeds and cold stratify them (chill in the refrigerator) for about 3-4 weeks to simulate winter conditions. Sow Seeds: Plant seeds in a seed-starting mix. Lightly cover them with soil, as they need light to germinate. Germinate: Keep the soil moist and warm. Germination can take a few weeks. Transplant: Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden.

13. Planting Strawberries are traditionally grown in rows in a dedicated bed or strawberry patch. They also work well as an edging for veg beds or flower borders. Another good option is to grow them in containers, including large pots, grow bags, hanging baskets and windowboxes . This avoids the problem of soil

14. Irrigation Manure and Fertilizer Strawberries are a high-value but extremely sensitive crop. Most strawberries are grown in light sandy soils, and some in soilless systems. In both cases, sufficient and accurate irrigation is critical in order to achieve high yields and maintain healthy plants. As strawberries respond well to high organic matter in the soil, one or more of the following options is recommended:  Well-composted animal manure such as poultry manure, applied at 8–10 MT/ha, several weeks before sowing of most green-manure crops . Sowing of green-manure crops, several months before planting.

15. Training and pruning Four different types of training systems viz.  matted row, spaced row, hill and plastic mulch are used to train the strawberry plants . Usually matted row system is followed in India. The field is kept weed free during the first season by harrowing & ploughing, applying herbicides or plastic sheet.

16. Harvest and Yield Strawberries are harvested in small trays or baskets. They should be kept in a shady place to avoid damage due to excessive heat in the open field. Plants start bearing in second year.  An average yield of 45-100 q./ha . is obtained from a strawberry orchard.