Strawberries Flashcards
1
Q
What are the three groups of strawberries?
A
- Summer fruiting (shorter cropping season, fruit late May to mid July. Prop by runners)
- Perpetual fruiting (crop irregularly from summer to autumn, may stop mid-summer. Prop by runners/division)
- Alpine (small. Fruits continually June to Nov. Grown from seed).
2
Q
Name 3 summer fruiting strawberries.
A
- Christine
- Pegasus
- Florence.
3
Q
Name 1 perpetual fruiting and 1 alpine strawberry.
A
- Perpetual: Aromel
- Alpine: Baron Solemacher.
4
Q
Explain site and soil selection for strawberries.
A
- Best grown as a short-term crop (reduce P&D)
- Sun or light shade
- Any well-drained soil except chalky or poorly drained
- pH of 6 - 6.5.
5
Q
Explain soil preparation for strawberries.
A
- Carry out in early to mid summer in prep for planting
- Select a site where not grown for at least 3 yrs
- Incorp plenty of well-rotted organic matter
- Form soil into slightly raised rows, 75cm.
6
Q
Explain planting of strawberries.
A
- Most planted late summer, early autumn
- Choose certified virus-free stock
- Plant 45cm apart with base of crown at soil level, firm soil around plants and water well
- Can be planted through black plastic sheeting.
7
Q
Explain cultivation of strawberries.
A
- Water until established after planting and as necessary during growing season
- Weed regularly
- Mulch with straw
- Net fruit from birds
- Use cloches to encourage earlier crops and protect flowers from frost
- Harvest regularly to prevent botrytis
- Remove the straw after harvesting.
8
Q
Name a pest and a disease of strawberries, including symptoms and control methods.
A
Botrytis
- Grey fungal bloom appears on stems, leaves and fruit; fruit deteriorates rapidly
- Improve air circulation, regularly remove fruit and infected material, avoid overhead irrigation, use approved fungicide.
Birds
- Whole fruit eaten
- Use bird scarer deterrents; nets.
