Botanical name: Fragaria x ananassa.
Family: Rosaceae , which includes other fruit trees such as apples, pears, and peaches.
The chromosome number of strawberry is octoploid, which means it has eight sets of chromosomes, for a total of 56 chromosomes (2n=8x=56).
1. Climatic conditions:
Strawberries grow well in temperate climates with warm days and cool nights. The ideal temperature range for strawberry cultivation is between 15°C to 27°C. They require at least 8 hours of sunlight per day and prefer moderate humidity.
2. Soil:
Strawberries prefer well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and free from weeds and other plant debris. They are susceptible to soil-borne diseases, so it is important to choose a location with healthy soil.
3. Propagation:
Strawberries are propagated by runners or tissue culture. Runners are the small plants that grow off the main plant and can be replanted to produce new plants. Tissue culture involves growing new plants from a small piece of tissue in a laboratory setting.
4. Planting:
Strawberries are usually planted in the fall or early spring. The seed rate is around 50-60 grams per square meter. They should be planted about 30-40 cm apart, in rows spaced 75-90 cm apart.
5. Irrigation:
Strawberries need regular watering from the day of sowing. Irrigation should be done frequently but not excessively, to avoid waterlogging and disease.
6. Manures and fertilizers :
Strawberries require a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10:26:26 NPK. It is recommended to apply 50-60 kg/ha of nitrogen, 120-150 kg/ha of phosphorus, and 120-150 kg/ha of potassium. Organic manures like compost and farmyard manure can also be used.
7. Training and pruning:
Strawberry plants should be trained to grow upright to facilitate harvesting and reduce disease incidence. Pruning involves removing runners and old leaves to promote healthy growth.
8. Varieties:
There are many different varieties of strawberries, including Chandler, Camarosa, Sweet Charlie, and Albion.
9. Maturity indices:
Strawberries are considered mature when they reach full size and color. The fruit should be firm and have a glossy appearance. The sugar content should be between 7-12%.
10. Harvesting stage and yield:
Strawberries can be harvested when they are fully ripe. The yield can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions, but typically ranges from 10-20 tons per hectare.
