Strawberry

Strawberry belongs to the Rosaceae family and Fragaria genus. The strawberry plant is herbaceous and perennial. Strawberry cultivars can be classified into three basic flowering habits: short-day, long-day, and day-neutral. These refer to the day-length sensitivity of the plant and the type of photoperiod that induces flower formation. Day-neutral cultivars produce flowers regardless of the photoperiod. The cultivars vary widely in size, color, flavor, shape, degree of fertility, season of ripening, liability to disease and constitution of plant. Cultivation follows one of two general models: annual plasticulture (plastic mulch film, row coverings, high and low tunnels (polytunnels)) or a perennial system of matted rows or mounds. Greenhouses produce a small amount of strawberries during the off season.

Soil: It prefers balanced soils, rich in organic matter, well drained and with a good balance between aeration and water retaining capacities. A sandy or loamy-sandy and homogeneously deep soil would be ideal for cultivation.

pH: 6-7

Sensitivities: Saline soils and very sensitive to active lime especially at levels above 5%.

Climate: Strawberry is a crop that adapts very well to many types of climates. Its vegetative part is highly resistant to frost, reaching temperatures up to -20°C, although the floral organs are destroyed with values somewhat lower than 0°C. At the same time they are able to survive summer temperatures of 55°C. The optimum values for proper fruit set and development are around 15-20ºC on average per year. Temperatures below 12 ° C during fruit set lead to deformed fruits.