Strawberry Plant Management for Everbearing Cultivars

Plant Management & Pollination

Effective plant management is crucial for maximizing both yield and fruit quality in everbearing strawberry cultivars. Managing the flower and fruit load is essential, as an excessive number of flowers or developing fruits can strain the plant, leading to smaller, lower-quality berries. Regular pruning helps maintain plant health and vigor by removing empty trusses that no longer produce fruit, while fruit-pulling ensures that underdeveloped or misshapen berries are removed, allowing the plant to focus its energy on producing larger, more marketable fruit. At the end of the season, removing additional crowns is important for improving airflow within the canopy, reducing the risk of diseases, and ensuring the remaining fruit ripens properly. These management practices are vital for maintaining a productive and healthy crop throughout the growing season.

In soilless strawberry cultivation, effective pollination is crucial for optimal fruit development. While strawberry plants are capable of self-pollination, they require sufficient agitation to ensure the transfer of pollen from the anthers to the stigma. Without this movement, pollination may be incomplete, leading to uneven fruit formation. To enhance pollination, it is often necessary to either manually pollinate the flowers or use a device such as a small leaf blower to agitate the blossoms. This approach helps distribute pollen more evenly, promoting consistent and high-quality berry production.

System Management

When growing strawberries aeroponically, the system should be viewed as an extension of the plant itself, making cleanliness a top priority. Failing to maintain a clean aeroponic system is identical to neglecting the cleanliness of the plants, as any contaminants in the system can directly affect plant health. In an aeroponic setup buildup of debris or biofilms can lead to pathogens and poor system performance, compromising plant growth.

Performing weekly system cleanings and flushes is essential to prevent the accumulation of salts, pathogens, and other harmful residues. Being proactive with system cleanliness will help to maintain healthy roots – the most sensitive part of the strawberry plant in, as they can be particularly susceptible to diseases like root rot. Regular proactive inspections and interventions to ensure roots are healthy helps prevent these issues. By treating the aeroponic system with the same care as the plants themselves, growers can ensure a thriving and productive strawberry crop.