The Ultimate Guide to Farm Strawberry Cultivation

Strawberries, those delightful red gems, are delicious and surprisingly easy to grow on your farm. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting, these sweet fruits can thrive with a little care and attention.

Strawberries are versatile and can adapt to various farming conditions, making them a great addition to your farm. Here’s how to get started:

1. Site Selection:

• Choose a sunny spot on your farm for your strawberry patch. These sun-loving plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Ensure that the soil is well-drained. If soil tends to retain water, consider raised beds or containers.

2. Preparing the Soil:

• Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter. Compost or well-rotted manure works wonders.
• Aim for a slightly acidic pH (around 6.0 to 6.5) to create an ideal environment for strawberry growth.

3. Planting:

• Spring or fall is the best time to plant strawberries on your farm.
• Space the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart (30.5 to 45.7 cm), allowing room for runners to spread.

4. Care and Maintenance:

• Regular watering is crucial, especially during flowering and fruiting seasons.
• Mulch around the plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
• Remove any runners that you don’t want to propagate further.

5. Pest and Disease Control:

• Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and slugs. Use natural remedies or insecticidal soap.
• Proper spacing and good air circulation can prevent fungal diseases.

6. Harvesting:

When the berries turn bright red, they’re ready to pick. Harvest gently to avoid damaging the delicate fruit.

Strawberry Cultivation: A Brief Overview

Strawberries, prized for their sweet flavor and versatility, are cultivated worldwide.

Whether you want to diversify your farm or increase your crop yield, understanding the essential aspects of strawberry cultivation can significantly benefit your agricultural practices.

Here are the key points:

Significance and Demand:

• Strawberries are highly valued in temperate and subtropical regions.
• They command a premium price when supplied fresh.
• Demand exists for both fresh berries and their various products (juices, jams, ice creams, etc.).

Nutrient-Rich Fruit:

• Strawberries are packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, and fiber.

Global Production:

• In 2021, worldwide strawberry production exceeded 9.18 million tons.
• Asia leads as the largest continental producer (4.53 million tons), followed by America, Europe, Africa, and Oceania (Fig. 1).

Cultivation Challenges and Successes:

• While strawberries are easy to grow, challenges include disease resistance and shelf-life improvement.
• Scientists have made progress in addressing these issues.

Optimal Conditions:

• Successful cultivation requires day temperatures of 22-23°C and night temperatures of 7-13°C.
• Strawberries thrive with 6 to 10 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Well-drained, friable soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7 is ideal.

Growing Methods:

• Traditional soil-based cultivation is declining due to soilborne pests.
• Soilless methods (substrate-based) are popular, using materials like coir, rockwool, or peat.
• Glasshouse production offers controlled environments and higher yields.

Irrigation Management:

• Strawberry plants are sensitive to water stress due to shallow roots.
• Precise drip irrigation scheduling is essential to prevent over-watering.

Irrigation Practices:

• In many regions, including California, irrigation practices rely on either crop evapotranspiration (ET) or soil moisture measurements.
• ET estimates how much water the crop needs over a period based on weather data and crop coefficients (K_c).

Calculation Method:

• To determine water quantity, the calculation involves multiplying the ET from the last irrigation to the upcoming one by the relevant K_c for the current crop phenological stage.

Disadvantage:

• The methodology’s disadvantage lies in estimating past water requirements to predict future applications, which prevents real-time irrigation management based on current weather conditions.

Figure 1. Global production of strawberries (1961–2020) in million tons, showing production in each of the five continents (FAO,2023). KOULOUMPROUKA ZACHARAKIET AL.613

Strawberry Crop Importance

Modern cultivated strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) are octoploid hybrids derived from Fragaria virginiana (Americas) and Fragaria Chiloensis (Chile) through natural crosses and European breeding efforts. This 18th-century development yielded a high-yielding crop with large, firm berries, replacing the original small-fruited, short-season plants. Global production in 2021 reached 9.2 million tons, with China leading output. Factors like cultivar, irrigation, and fertilization influence the taste experience of this popular fruit, that is commercially grown in 76 countries. Production continues to rise, particularly in Asia, North and Central America, and North Africa, driven by increasing global demand.

Strawberry Plant Physiology

Strawberry (Fragaria sp.) adaptability allows growth across diverse climates (tropics to 70°N). Flowering in most gardens (F. x ananassa) and wild (F. vesca) varieties is triggered by short-day photoperiods, influenced by temperature interactions. Unique everbearing genotypes flower continuously. Photoperiod also regulates axillary bud fate: short days promote crown (flowering) bud formation, while long days favor runner (daughter plant) production. Crown number directly affects yield. Artificial short days or growth regulators like gibberellin (GA) can be used to manipulate photoperiod’s influence on shoot development for optimal yield. For a visual representation, refer to Figure 1, which illustrates the strawberry’s development under both “long” and “short” day conditions (LD and SD, respectively).

Figure 1: Schematic representation of strawberry development. The strawberry crown (left) consists of short internodes. One leaf and axillary bud are formed at each node. In LD conditions, axillary buds differentiate into runners, whereas in SD conditions, branch crowns are formed. After a certain number of SD cycles, the apical meristems of the main crown and branch crowns are induced to flower. At this stage, axillary buds below the floral meristem continue crown development. Runner development is shown in the inset. Runners consist of two long internodes followed by a terminal daughter plant (Dp). In LD conditions, the axillary bud in the second node of the runner continues runner growth, whereas in SD conditions, this bud differentiates into a branch crown and runner elongation ceases. Mp = mother plant. (Inf. Source: Hytönen T (2009) Regulation of strawberry growth and development. PhD thesis. Dissertationes bioscientiarum molecularium Universitatis Helsingiensis in Viikki, 7/2009, University Press, Helsinki, Finland, 131 pp).

Strawberry Cultivation Systems and Techniques

Rising Demand and Challenges:

The popularity of strawberries has spurred significant interest in recent decades, driving demand for specialty cultivars and optimized production techniques. Strawberry production can be annual or perennial depending on the chosen system. Advancements in breeding, management practices, and innovative systems have bolstered the commercial strawberry industry. However, challenges such as extreme weather events and pest/disease pressure necessitate the development of new adaptation mechanisms to meet consumer demands for high-quality fruit.

Cultivation Systems:

• Traditional Ground Cultivation: This method involves planting strawberries directly in soil, typically arranged in rows with 60-80 cm spacing. Mulch is used to control erosion and maintain soil moisture. Advantages include simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and natural growth conditions.

– Open Fields: Still the predominant method globally, open-field production utilizes either the hill or matted-row system. Mulching with straw or plastic aids weed control, moisture conservation, contamination reduction, and earlier harvests. Planting frames vary based on the chosen system (Fig. 2).

• Raised Beds: This approach elevates plants above the ground on prepared beds, offering improved drainage, root aeration, yield, and product quality. Raised beds are popular due to these yield and quality advantages.
• Greenhouse Cultivation: Greenhouses extend the production season and shield plants from harsh weather. Advantages include precise control over temperature, humidity, and light, leading to reduced disease and pest risks. Some growers combine greenhouses with high-altitude methods for optimal results.
• Hydroponics: This method eliminates soil, providing a balanced nutrient solution directly to the plants. Benefits include high yields in limited space and controlled growing conditions but require initial investment and specialized knowledge.

Addressing Challenges and Consumer Preferences:

To address these challenges and meet consumer preferences for fruit quality, researchers have developed various cultivars and innovative crop management techniques:

• Overhead Irrigation: Protects against frost damage and provides uniform water distribution.
• Row Covers: Shield plants from frost and other unfavorable conditions, maintaining optimal growth.
• Soil Sanitization: Techniques like steam or solarization help keep the soil free of pathogens.
• Protected Environments: Exploring new greenhouse systems or other protected structures allows precise control over growing conditions.
• Advanced Technology: Automation and technological advancements reduce reliance on manual labor.

Future of Strawberry Production:

As strawberry production evolves to meet rising demand, adopting new cultivation systems, creating adapted cultivars, and implementing effective management practices will be critical for the continued success of this growing industry.

Table 1: Two main production systems are practiced with field-grown strawberries: the hill and matted-row systems. Each requires different planting densities and cultivation techniques (Inf. Source Hancock 1999; https://www.yara.co.uk/crop-nutrition/strawberries/production-systems/).

Figure 2: Schematic representation of the strawberry field planting system (Inf. Source: https://www.yara.co.uk/crop-nutrition/strawberries/production-systems/).

Genetic and Cultivars

The Fragaria genus (Rosaceae) boasts 22 species, with the octoploid hybrid garden strawberry (F. x ananassa, 2n=8x=56) from F. Chiloensis and F. virginiana dominating production. Cultivar selection is crucial, targeting high-yielding, early-season, high-quality fruit. Factors like location, system (open-field, high tunnel, greenhouse), and consumer preference influence choice.

Flowering habits categorize cultivars:

– Long-day (everbearing): Two harvests per season under long days (e.g., ‘Albion’).

– Short-day (June-bearing): Single harvest under short days (e.g., ‘Camarosa’).

– Day-neutral: Less dependent on day length, relying on temperature (e.g., ‘Ventana’).

‘Camarosa’ (short-day) is popular in mild winters, while ‘Honeoye’ excels in colder climates. ‘Elsanta’ (short-day) is widespread in Europe. High tunnel and greenhouse systems require specific cultivars like ‘Winterstar’ and ‘Florida Radiance’ for optimal yield.

Environmental Physiology

Environmental Stressors and Optimal Conditions for Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) Production:

Water Scarcity:

Despite its relative ease of cultivation, Fragaria x ananassa (strawberry) production faces significant challenges due to environmental stressors. Water scarcity, a major global concern, necessitates water-saving strategies, particularly in regions with intensive strawberry production.

Stressors and Mitigation:

– Heat and Drought: Shallow root systems make strawberry plants highly susceptible to water stress, especially under high temperatures. This remains a challenge in non-irrigated areas. Cultivar selection offers a partial solution, with varieties like ‘Lassen’, ‘Festival Naya’, and ‘Fresno’ exhibiting increased salt tolerance.

– Salinity: In semi-arid regions, irrigation water with high salt content (>100 ppm) can lead to soil salinization, impacting yield before visible damage occurs.

– Frost and Winter Injury: Early frosts and winter cold can damage flower buds, blooms, young fruit, and the crown, especially for non-acclimated plants. Cultivar selection and strategic planting practices can help mitigate these risks.

– Insufficient Chilling: Moderate winter regions often experience reduced yields due to inadequate chilling hours, impacting blooming and ripening. Southern-adapted cultivars require shorter chilling periods.

Optimal Conditions:

– Flowering Habit: Cultivars are classified into long-day (everbearing), short-day (June-bearing), and day-neutral based on their flowering response to day length.

– Temperature: Daytime temperatures of 22-23°C and nighttime temperatures of 7-13°C are ideal. Strategic planting can manipulate these temperatures to influence fruit quality.

– Light and Soil: Strawberries need 6-10 hours of sunlight and well-drained, friable soil with moderate moisture (avoiding waterlogging). The ideal soil pH range is 5.5-7.0.

Understanding these environmental factors allows researchers and growers to optimize growing conditions for maximizing strawberry yields and fruit quality. (Source: Hancock, J. F., Sjulin, T. M., and Lobos G. A. “Strawberries” Chapter 13, In book: Temperate fruit crop breeding: Germplasm to genomics [pp.393-438], 2008).

Production season:

Photoperiod and Strawberry Production: Photoperiod (day length) plays a key role in strawberry development, influencing flower initiation and runner formation. Heat accumulation can also influence these processes in certain cultivars. Daylight duration may be more critical than darkness for some varieties. High light intensity promotes runner production and reduces flowering.

Strawberry harvest seasons vary significantly across continents (Table 2 is not shown). The US, a major exporter, harvests from May to August. Turkey, supplying Eastern Europe and the Middle East, has a similar season starting a month earlier (April-June). Mexico (the second-largest exporter) harvests from October to June, while Chile has a season from September to May.

In Europe, Spain (January-October) and Morocco (November-January) are major exporters, with Morocco bridging the Spanish off-season. Top Asian producers, China, and South Korea, harvest from December to June and November to May, respectively.

Table 2: Strawberry Harvest Calendar in Key Producing Countries. (Inf. Source: https://medium.com/tridge/strawberry-harvest-calendar-in-key-producing-countries-aedb4988022d).

Table 3: Strawberry Harvest Calendar by variety (Inf. Source: https://medium.com/tridge/strawberry-harvest-calendar-in-key-producing-countries-aedb4988022d).

Crop Management – Optimizing Strawberry Production: A Multifaceted Approach

Holistic Management:

Strawberry success requires a comprehensive approach integrating plant genetics, soil characteristics, and environmental factors. Nutrient management is critical for growth, fruit production, and stress tolerance.

Production Systems:

• Protected Culture: While most strawberries are grown outdoors, temporary structures offer protection from harsh weather. Greenhouses and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) systems provide maximum control over production parameters, potentially increasing yield and efficiency.
• Precision Agriculture: This technology utilizes data collection on plant health, growth, and soil conditions to tailor management practices and optimize resource use in the face of climate challenges.

Cultivar Selection:

Breeding programs prioritize traits like cold/drought tolerance, pest/disease resistance, and suitability for specific locations, systems, and consumer preferences.

Planting Density:

Planting density varies based on the system:

• Conventional: 30 cm x 30 cm with 1.5 m between beds.
• Matted Row: Wider spacing (1-2 plants/m²) for asexual reproduction, achieving 4000-9000 plants/ha.
• Annual Plasticulture: Denser plantings (up to 4 plants/m² or 17000 plants/ha) with single-year cycles, potentially yielding 2-4 times more than matted rows.

Irrigation and Mineral Nutrition:

• Irrigation Water Quality: Strawberries are highly sensitive to salinity, particularly chloride (Clˉ) ions, requiring optimal electrical conductivity (EC) of irrigation water below 0.75 dS/m (750 µS/cm) or a total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration less than 400 mg/L. Water exceeding 650 mg/L TDS can significantly reduce yield.
• Water Needs and Strategies: Strawberry water needs vary depending on growth stage, soil, and climate. Precise irrigation is crucial for water use efficiency (WUE). Sensor-based methods using soil moisture tension or plant-based data offer greater accuracy for irrigation scheduling compared to traditional ET (evapotranspiration) methods. This shift improves growth, yield, WUE, and reduces labor and costs.

Interestingly, mild water stress (deficit irrigation) during specific stages may benefit desired plant and fruit traits.

(Inf. Source: Hernández-Martínez, N.R., Blanchard, C., Wells, D., & Salazar-Gutiérrez, M.R. (2023). Current state and future perspectives of commercial strawberry production: A review. Scientia Horticulturae, 312, 111893. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2023.111893; https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/strawberries/irrigation-and-fertiliser-guidelines-strawberries?nopaging=1).

Strawberry Irrigation Strategies: Balancing Water Use, Disease, and Efficiency

Drip vs. Overhead:

Drip irrigation (surface or subsurface) is preferred for strawberries due to reduced water use and disease incidence compared to overhead sprinklers. Drip configurations vary by bed layout, with two drip lines per four-row bed being common. Closer dripper spacing with proper scheduling can improve yield and quality. Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) is particularly favored for its disease mitigation. Overhead irrigation may be used during establishment to prevent runner desiccation and for thermoregulation in hot weather.

Decision Support Systems (DSS):

As water management becomes critical, European growers are adopting drip irrigation and fertigation (combined irrigation and fertilization). DSSs and simulation models are aiding in optimizing these complex practices. These systems process data on climate, soil, and crop specifics to generate site-specific irrigation and nutrient recommendations. Emerging web-based DSSs with user-friendly interfaces, like smartphone apps, are gaining traction. For example, soil water potential (SWP) measurements have proven effective in optimizing irrigation across various crops.

Mineral Nutrition: Optimizing Strawberry Production Through Meticulous Nutrient Management

Importance of Nutrient Management:

Strawberry production demands meticulous nutrient management for optimal yield, fruit quality, food safety, and nutrient content. Healthy soil fosters insect and disease resistance and fertility. The plant’s shallow root system (peak growth in spring and fall) with two types (perennial primary and ephemeral feeder) makes it sensitive to water and salinity. Runners (stolons) facilitate vegetative propagation.

Macronutrients and Their Roles:

• Nitrogen (N): Crucial for growth, runner production, and fruit bud formation. Deficiency manifests as stunted growth, pale leaves, and reduced fruit size. N directly influences fruit firmness, quality, and shelf life but may impact disease resistance.
• Phosphorus (P): Essential for healthy propagation and fruit production. Optimal uptake occurs at a pH near 6.5. Deficiency presents as stunted growth with small, yellowing leaves. While deficiency may not directly impact yield, research suggests a stronger influence on fruit quality and defense mechanisms.
• Potassium (K): Significantly influences strawberry quality and stress tolerance. K promotes cell elongation, water management, and carbohydrate synthesis, leading to sweeter fruits. It also impacts sugar content and beneficial phytonutrients. Despite cultivar and management variations, K plays a critical role in optimizing these aspects.
• Sulfur (S): Crucial for amino acid synthesis, enzymes, and stress tolerance. Deficiency presents as interveinal chlorosis progressing to yellowing in upper leaves. Tissue analysis is recommended for optimal management. Sulfur may contribute to the characteristic strawberry aroma, although the mechanisms remain unclear.
• Calcium (Ca): Strengthens cell walls, enhancing fruit firmness and triggering signaling pathways for growth, development, and stress responses. Deficiency symptoms include crinkled leaves, “tip-burn,” and syrupy exudates. By maintaining cell wall integrity, Ca improves fruit storage life and can potentially act as a natural disease management tool.

Micronutrients and Their Roles:

• Iron (Fe): Crucial for chlorophyll synthesis and electron transfer. Deficiency disrupts these processes, causing interveinal chlorosis (yellowing) first in young leaves. Factors like high carbonates, salinity, or competing elements can limit Fe uptake despite adequate soil levels.
• Boron (B): Crucial for root growth and pollination but readily leached from soil. Deficiency symptoms include marginal chlorosis and necrosis of young leaves, reduced flower size, and poor fruit quality. Boron interacts positively with phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca), potentially increasing branching, fruit yield, and leaf area.
• Manganese (Mn): Aids photosynthesis, chlorophyll synthesis, and nutrient utilization. Deficiency disrupts chlorophyll formation, resulting in interveinal chlorosis on young leaves. Strawberry cultivar variations exist in optimal Mn range.
• Molybdenum (Mo): Crucial for nitrogen metabolism. Deficiency mimics nitrogen deficiency due to its role in nitrate reductase. Interestingly, Mo application in Mo-deficient soil increased vitamin C and sugar content, suggesting a potential role beyond nitrogen reduction.

Conclusion:

Understanding these essential nutrients and their interactions allows growers to optimize nutrient management practices for superior strawberry production. Tissue analysis, soil tests, and visual assessment are crucial for monitoring plant nutrient needs and preventing deficiencies.

(Inf. Source Trejo-Téllez, L. I., Gómez-Merino, F. C. (2014). Nutrient management in strawberry: Effects on yield, quality and plant health. Strawberries: Cultivation antioxidant properties Health benefits, 239–267.)

Table 2. Leaf analysis standard for strawberry plants (Inf. Source Trejo-Téllez, L. I., Gómez-Merino, F. C. (2014). Nutrient management in strawberry: Effects on yield, quality and plant health). Strawberries: Cultivation antioxidant properties Health benefits, 239–267).

Pests and Disease: Weeds and Pathogens Threaten Strawberry Production

Weeds and pathogens significantly impact global strawberry production. Competition from weeds for vital resources (light, water, nutrients) weakens plants, reducing yield and quality. Additionally, weeds can harbor disease vectors like viruses and nematodes. Pathogens pose a major threat, with powdery mildew, Botrytis fruit rot, anthracnose crown and root rot, Phytophthora root rot, Verticillium wilt, Fusarium wilt, and charcoal rot being major concerns. Insect pests including aphids, lepidopterans, leafrollers, weevils, lygus bugs, spider mites, and thrips further threaten production, with many residing in the soil. The industry utilizes various methods like plastic mulches, fumigants, and herbicides to manage these pests and diseases.

Postharvest

Postharvest Challenges and Quality Management in Strawberries

Strawberry susceptibility to mechanical damage, softening, disorders, and pathogens limits shelf life. High respiration rates (especially at 10-20°C) accelerate deterioration. Controlled atmosphere storage and modified atmosphere packaging are employed to maintain quality. Harvest maturity (e.g., red color intensity) and factors like temperature, storage duration, and packaging influence quality attributes like appearance, firmness, flavor, and nutrition. Genetics, environment, and practices (sun exposure, cool nights) significantly impact preharvest quality. Classified as non-climacteric, strawberries lack the typical ripening surge in respiration and ethylene. However, some studies suggest partial climacteric behavior due to observed color changes. Ripening involves compositional changes like increased sugars, vitamin C, and decreased acidity. Pre- and postharvest management are crucial for optimal strawberry quality.

(Inf. Source: Kuchi, V.S., Sharavani, C.S.R., 2019. Fruit physiology and postharvest management of strawberry, in: Strawberry – Pre- and Post-Harvest Management Techniques for Higher Fruit Quality. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84205).

Picture 1. Stage of Fruit Development

Stage of fruit development from left to right color development from the tip towards receptacle (anthocyanin development) (Inf. Source: Kuchi, V.S., Sharavani, C.S.R., 2019. Fruit physiology and postharvest management of strawberry, in: Strawberry – Pre- and Post-Harvest Management Techniques for Higher Fruit Quality. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.84205; modified by Adolfo Levin)

Strawberry Health Related Properties

Strawberries boast significant health benefits due to their micronutrient profile. They are rich in folate, vitamins C, A, and E, and contain precursor compounds like carotenoids. The low glycemic index and high fiber content make them suitable for diabetes management. Their flavonoid content, particularly quercetin, may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. High potassium helps manage blood pressure, while antioxidants combat free radicals. The diverse nutritional profile makes them a staple in the Mediterranean diet. Research into the gut metabolism of these compounds holds promise for further health benefits.

Rivulis Relevant Experience

When it comes to nurturing your strawberry crops, Rivulis drip irrigation systems stand out. Specially designed to deliver water precisely to the root zone, they ensure your strawberries receive the hydration they need without wastage.

Strawberries are notoriously sensitive to salinity, but with Rivulis T-Tape, you can manage this risk effectively. Our premium drip tape, preferred by growers worldwide, boasts uniform flow and a unique internal design that resists clogging even under challenging water conditions.

Optimizing your emitter spacing is crucial for maximizing yield, and with T-Tape, you can achieve this without incurring extra costs. Plus, our slit outlet design prevents soil ingestion, ensuring your system operates smoothly.

For growers starting from runners, our 5022SD Plastic Impact Sprinklers provide the perfect solution, delivering high uniformity of crop coverage during the initial growth stages.

Whether in open fields or tunnels, Rivulis has you covered with top-notch irrigation solutions trusted by growers in California, Mexico, Spain, Italy, and Australia.

Trust Rivulis for your strawberry success story!