— Production guideline —

agriculture,
forestry & fisheries
Department:
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
 — Production guideline —

March 2010

Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

2010
Printed and published by
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Compiled by
Directorate Plant Production in collaboration with the ARC
Design and layout by
Directorate Agricultural Information Services
Obtainable from
Resource Centre
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PRETORIA
0001
CONTENT
CON TENT

General .................................................................................................... 1
Cultivation practices ................................................................................ 6
Post-havest handling ...............................................................................15
Production schedule ................................................................................16
Utilisation .................................................................................................16
References ..............................................................................................17
Personal communcation ..........................................................................17
Notes .......................................................................................................19
GENERAL
GENERAL
Scientific name: Fragaria X ananassa Duch.
Common names: Strawberry (English); Aarbei (Afrikaans), Amaqunube
(Xhosa)

Origin and distribution

Strawberries were known to exist in the Roman Empire from 234 BC.
Apparently wild strawberries flourished in ancient Rome as it was men-
tioned in writings of ancient Roman authors such as Virgilius Marco (70 BC
–9 BC), Ovidius Naso (43 BC–17 BC) and Plinius Secundus (79 BC–23
BC). The Greeks, on the other hand, were familiar with strawberries but
did not utilise it as they were not allowed to consume anything which had a
red colour (Lowe, 2006). Strawberries were considered to be medicinal by
the Romans. However, during the middle ages pregnant women avoided
strawberries, as they believed that consuming it or even touching it, would
cause the children to be born with strawberry-shaped birthmarks.
The dainty, red, heart-shaped fruit is often associated with romance, pas-
sion, innocence and healing. Even William Shakespeare, the much ac-
claimed English author, decorated the handkerchief of Desdemona, one of
the characters in the drama Othello, with strawberries (Anon, 2006a). One
of the prominent and colourful figures in the French Revolution, Madame
Thérésa Tallien, was said to have bathed in the juice of strawberries as she
believed strawberries had healing properties (Anon, 2006b). According to
the extension services of the University of Illinois (Anon, 2006a) and Lowe
(2006), strawberries were already consumed by the Cherokee tribes in the
United States of America prior to colonisation circa 1600. Apparently a kind
of bread was made by mixing the strawberries with corn meal which was
then baked. The colonists modified the recipe, resulting in what is pres-
ently known as strawberry shortcake.
According to Anon (2006a), native forms of strawberries adapt to vari-
ous climates and are indigenous to every major continent except Africa,
Australia and New Zealand. The first documented botanical illustration of a
strawberry plant appeared as a figure in Herbaries in 1454.
The name strawberry is most probably derived from the Anglo-Saxon word
strawberiģe viz. straw meaning spread around and beriģe meaning berry
(Lowe, 2006). According to Anon (2006b), the name Fragaria is most prob-
ably derived from the word “fragans”, referring to the odorous flesh of the
fruit (Anon, 2006b).

1
The modern strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa) is a hybrid between the
domesticated Fragaria virgiania Duch. and Fragaria chiloensis (L.) Duch.
(Robertson, 2006). According to Lowe (2006), an English horticulturist,
Thomas Andrew Knight, became this first person to practise large-scale
strawberry breeding, which led to the large, delectable strawberries pres-
ently available.
Strawberries were introduced to South Africa by Jan van Riebeeck, the
first Governor of what was then known as a Dutch settlement. The first ref-
erence on strawberries was on 11 October 1656 when he recorded in his
diary that ‘’…currants and strawberries are also thriving well….’’ (Karsten,
1955).

Production levels and areas

South Africa
According to the national Department of Agriculture (2006), the production,
gross value, trade on fresh produce markets and purchases for processing
of strawberries produced in South Africa from the 1999/2000 season up to
the 2004/05 season were as follows:
Trade on fresh prod- Purchases for
Gross uce markets processing
Total pro-
Year value
duction (t) Average Average
(R1 000) Volume (t) Volume (t)
price (R/t) price (R/t)
1999/00 7 257 28 832 3 241 5 199 1 554 1 554
2000/01 5 514 24 365 2 674 5 511 1 306 1 306
2001/02 4 102 22 117 1 858 7 188 1 202 1 202
2002/03 4 794 25 636 2 300 6 920 1 317 1 317
2003/04 6 389 29 817 3 031 5 964 1 710 1 710
2004/05 4 744 38 065 2 229 10 954 1 356 1 356

International
Major international strawberry producers (FAO, 2006) for 2005 were as
follows:

Income (international
Rank Country Production (t)
$1 000)

1 United States of America 1 033 847 974 500

2 Spain 326 757 308 000

2
 Income (international
Rank Country Production (t)
$1 000)

3 Russian Federation 230 215 217 000

4 Japan 212 180 200 000
5 Korea, Republic of 212 180 200 000
6 Poland 190 962 180 000
7 Turkey 169 744 160 000
8 Italy 163 904 154 795
9 Mexico 159 412 150 261
10 Germany 139 949 131 915
11 Morocco 112 562 106 100
12 Egypt 106 090 100 000
12 France 55 061 51 900
12 United Kingdom 50 923 48 000
12 Belgium 44 558 42 000
12 Ukraine 38 192 36 000
12 The Netherlands 38 192 36 000
12 Serbia and Montenegro 36 071 34 000
19 Iran, Islamic Republic of 28 644 27 000
20 Chile 27 159 25 600

Description of the plant

Roots
The relatively shallow roots of a strawberry plant are mainly concentrated
within the top 20 to 30 cm of soil. The older, brownish roots can clearly
be distinguished from the younger, white-coloured capillary roots. Water
and nutrients are absorbed by the capillary roots while the older roots are
responsible for transporting the nutrients and water to the other parts of the
plant. The colour and consistency of the vascular systems of the roots will
determine the health status of the plant. White and flexible central vascular
strands within the older roots would be an indicator of a healthy plant.

Stem
The stem of a strawberry plant is compressed to form a rosaceous (clus-
tered) crown of about 2,5 cm in diameter. However, this crown cannot be
seen as it is covered on the outside by the overlapping bases of the leaves.
The rosaceous growth is characteristic to strawberries. Strawberries pro-
duce long, slender runners which produce a new bud, with roots, at the fur-
thest point of each runner. This allows the plant to reproduce vegetatively.

3
Leaves
Strawberry leaves usually consist of three leaflets. The colour of the upper
leaf surfaces can vary from light green to very dark green while the bottom
surfaces have waxy, light-green colours with protruding veins.

Flowers
The fragile, white flowers have a typical rosaceous structure and are
borne in racemes or inflorescences. A raceme is a flower cluster in which
the flowers are borne on short stalks along a long main stem. The berries
from the primary flowers will therefore ripen first. The flowers consist of the
normal floral parts comprising the green sepals on the outside, followed by
the white petals and the anthers (male parts). The pistils (female parts) are
located in the in the middle and are arranged around a swollen receptacle
(floral axis). The plants will only initiate flower-buds during times of cool,
short daylight, i.e. from April to September. Maximum production will be
determined by the performance and growth of the plants during the early
part of the season (April to September). The more active the plants grow
during this period, the more crowns will be formed. This will improve the
production as each crown has the potential to bear two racemes.

Fruit
The fruit of the strawberry plant is very peculiar. The receptacle (floral axis)
swells out into a fleshy, dome-shaped or flattened mass in which the pips
or seeds are embedded. The berries are known for their bright red colour
and are heart-shaped. However, the colour of the flesh can range from

4
white to dark red. The size and shape can
differ, depending on the cultivar or the en-
vironmental conditions. The length of the
fruit can vary between 2 and 5 cm.

Seeds/nuts/pods
CULTIVARS
The choice of a specific cultivar will nor-
mally be determined by its climatic requirements, resistance to diseases,
specific soil type requirements and the purpose for which the fruit will be
produced, i.e. fresh consumption or processing. Two cultivars, viz. Selekta
and Chandler™ would be an excellent choice for home gardeners and
smaller farming enterprises, mainly because of their versatility.

SELEKTA
This is the most popular cultivar which is established throughout South
Africa. The fruit is long and wedge-shaped, red in colour, has an attractive
glossy shine and with a high sugar content. This cultivar is particularly
suitable for the fresh market. The flesh in the centre of the fruit has a white
colour. The fruit is reasonably firm although most of the large berries have
a hollow centre. The first fruit of the season might be poorly coloured, with
white shoulders, as it is usually produced under cold weather conditions.
However, the colouring improves under more favourable conditions. This
cultivar is reasonably resistant to leaf diseases, grows vigorously but is
sensitive to late planting.

CHANDLER™
The fruit of this cultivar is firm, with a distinct strawberry aroma and has a
high sugar content. It is generally a very popular cultivar for the fresh mar-
ket. The sugar to acid ratio is good and therefore resulting in good eating
quality. The fruit does not have the problem of “white shoulders” during the
earlier part of the season and internal fruit has a uniform red colour. The
fruit does not crack easily.

Climatic requirements
Temperature
Strawberries are more tolerant of variations in climatic weather compared
to many other crops. However, climatic factors such as sunlight, tem-

5
perature, volume of water available and wind can influence the growth and
production of strawberry plants. Although strawberries are grown in full
sun, high summer temperatures have a negative effect on fruit size as well
as fruit quality. Fruit size and quality is enhanced by cooler temperatures,
more pollen would be available for pollination, the fruit will ripen gradually
and better-shaped fruit will be produced. The root system will also experi-
ence less stress during cooler temperatures.

Rainfall
The volume of rain will play an important role in the successful cultivation
of strawberries. Strawberry plants require large volumes of water and
should never be allowed to wilt. Supplementary irrigation should therefore
be applied to strawberries in areas such as the Western Cape Province,
which has a winter rainfall season. Similarly, additional irrigation should be
applied during dry periods within the summer rainfall areas. However, too
much rain will cause the fruit to burst.

Soil requirements
Strawberries require well-drained, sandy-loam to loamy soils with a pH
level between 5,0 and 5,5. However, strawberries can be grown in more
clayey soils if a sufficient quantity of compost is added to the soil during soil
preparation. Saline and waterlogged soils should be avoided.

CULTIVATION
C ULTIVATION PRACTICES
PRAC
CTIC
C ES
Propagation
Strawberries should be replanted each year. Strawberry plants are usually
propagated by runners. It is advisable to obtain virus and nematode-free
plant material from your local nursery or from certified strawberry nurser-
ies. The utilisation of your own runner plants should be avoided as it can
lead to the spread of diseases and viruses. Nurseries use only superior
selected and tested plant material which is disease free in order to ensure
maximum production. The plants, especially the roots, should not be al-
lowed to dry out before being planted. Plants and roots should be kept
moist in soil or peat in a cool, shady area prior to planting.

Soil preparation
Soil samples should be taken in order to determine the water-holding ca-
pacity as well as the nutrient content of the soil. At least five sample holes

6
should be made in a plot of 1 ha (100 m x 100 m). A spade should be used
to make a hole of 1 m wide, 1 m in length and 60 cm in depth. A vertical sod
on the side of the hole to a depth of 30 cm must be taken and transferred
into a marked plastic bag. The second sample should be taken the side of
the hole in the bottom part of the profile (30 cm to 60 cm depth). The blade
length of a new spade is approximately 30 cm.
Any layers in the soil, such as a stone or clay layer as well as the depth at
which it occur should be noted. All stones larger than 10 cm in diameter
may be removed from the sample. However, the number and sizes of
stones not included in the sample should be noted. The samples can be
sent to a reputable institution where the soils will be analysed. The sam-
pling hole should be filled again. The bottom layer soil, in other words, the
layer which was removed last, should be replaced first into the hole. This
step is important as the bottom layer usually consists of more clay. If the
bottom layer of soil is replaced into the top part of the hole, it can lead to
soil compaction. The samples taken at the different holes should not be
mixed or added together. This is important as the soils within one plot can
differ in texture. The position within the plot where the samples were taken
should be marked.
The results of the soil analysis will indicate whether the soil is suitable for
strawberry production and, if so, which kind of fertilisers as well as the
quantity of fertiliser that has to be applied. Soil preparation prior to planting
involves the following: Eradicating all the weeds; improving aeration as
well as general fertility of the soil by applying matured compost; forming
raised beds and rectifying the soil where required. This is also the stage
to add lime to the soil in order to establish a soil pH(KCl) of between 5,0
and 5,5 and to correct the phosphorus (P) level to between 20 and 30 mg/
kg. Lime applications will increase the pH levels while superphosphate or
bonemeal will increase the P levels within the soil. Excessive application
of lime will induce trace element deficiencies. Nitrogen (N) and potassium
(K) are usually added after planting. Application of fertilisers containing
sodium (Na) or chlorine (Cl) and poultry or other manure which is high
in soluble salts, should be avoided as strawberry plants are sensitivity to
saline soil conditions.
Strawberries are very sensitive to all nematode (eelworm) species. These
nematodes attack the roots of the plants and can severely inhibit the
growth of the plants. The occurrence of small, deformed growths (galls)
on the roots of the plants is usually an indication of nematode infestation.
Nematode infestation can be controlled chemically. However, chemicals
which are used to control nematodes are dangerous and present a health

7
risk. Fortunately, nematodes can be controlled without chemicals by start-
ing with nematode-free plant material and following crop rotation practices.
Crops such as strawberries should be rotated with garlic, onions, carrots,
beetroot, radish, spinach, lettuce, cabbages, beans and peas. A period of
2 years should have passed before the crop is established again on the
same plot. Diseases and nematodes can partially be controlled by the
addition of organic matter such as matured compost and manure. The
organic matter stimulates microorganism activity within the soil in order to
establish a natural balance.

Planting
Planting time
It is important to plant strawberries at the correct time of year as it is sensi-
tive to changes in daylight length.

Planting dates for strawberries

Province Time

Gauteng and summer rainfall regions February to March

Free State February to March
KwaZulu-Natal March to June
Western Cape March to May

Strawberries should be planted as early as possible during the above-

mentioned periods as the degree of growth prior to winter will determine
the production potential. Flower initiation is dependent on low tempera-
tures and short days.

General planting methods

Strawberry plants should be planted at the correct depth. The crown of the
plant must be above the soil surface (see picture below). The newly formed
leaves would not be able to penetrate the soil surface if the plants are
planted too deep. The crown will consequently rot and the plant will even-
tually die. However, the plants will be partially uprooted by strong winds if
they are planted too shallow, resulting in poor growth and eventually poor
production. Plants should be irrigated as soon as possible after planting
in order to stabilise the soil around the roots. Irrigation should be applied
daily for at least 10 days after planting. Most of the old leaves might turn
brown and die after planting in certain weather conditions. However, new
leaves develop and become visible within 7 to 10 days after planting. The

8
number of leaves, especially the number of crowns, which will be formed
under favourable temperature and soil conditions prior to winter, will be a
direct indication of the potential yield of the plants.

Spacing of plants
Strawberries are normally planted in staggered double rows with an in-row
and diagonal spacing of 20 cm x 20 cm (see picture below). However, this
spacing can differ. Plants should be spaced wider (30 cm x 30 cm) when
planted early but closer (10 cm x 10 cm) when planted late.
Plants should not be spaced too densely as it will create favourable con-
ditions for pests and diseases. It will also be difficult to harvest the fruit.
Either 66 000 or 120 000 to 130 000 plants per hectare can be established,
depending on the cultivar, climate or plant density.

Planting in containers
Strawberries can also be planted in containers such as planting boxes or
even used motor vehicle tyres. The containers should be positioned in a
sunny area which is sheltered from strong winds. Two to three tyres can
be stacked and filled with well-prepared soil. Planting should be done in
the same way as described above. Irrigation should be applied regularly.

Establishing strawberry plants on raised plastic-covered beds

Strawberry plants are usually established on raised planting beds which
are covered by plastic mulch. This plastic mulch is used in order to control
the weeds and to ensure that the fruit is kept clear of the soil surface as
well as to prevent soil particles from splashing onto the fruit during irri-
gation. The paths between the beds provide access to harvesters.
Organic material such as straw, lawn cuttings, wood chips, bark or any
other organic material can be applied between the beds. This organic ma-
terial not only assists in conserving water, it also provides compost for the
next year’s crop and prevents sand particles from splashing onto fruit dur-
ing irrigation. It is advisable to use raised plastic-covered beds if sufficient
space is available. Any type of plastic sheeting can be used. However,
black plastic sheeting (100 m in length, 1 m wide and 30 to 40 micron thick)
is most commonly used by commercial producers. The plastic should be
extended across the raised beds and anchored at the sides with a layer
of soil. Individual plant holes (4 to 5 cm in diameter) can be burned or cut
into the plastic.

9
Establishing strawberry plants on raised straw-covered beds
Straw can be used instead of the plastic to cover the beds. The plants
should be planted in a similar manner as described previously. The use of
straw is beneficial, as it is less expensive than plastic mulch, it prevents
evaporation from the soil, prevents soil particles from splashing onto the
fruit during irrigation and controls leather rot and weeds. The straw also
provides a habitat for spiders which predate on other harmful insects.
Straw is also an excellent source of compost, which will ensure long-term
improvement of the quality of the soil.

Planting in containers
Strawberries can also be planted in containers such as planting boxes or
even used motor vehicle tyres. The containers should be positioned in a
sunny area which is sheltered from strong winds. Two to three tyres can
be stacked and filled with well-prepared soil. Planting should be done in
the same way as described above. Irrigation should be applied regularly.

Fertilisation
No lime or phosphorus should be applied after planting as it has already
been applied during soil preparation. However, regular applications of
nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) throughout the season are essential.
Potassium is vital for the formation of flowers and to ensure quality fruit.
Sufficient quantities of potassium will also ensure a good yield and qual-
ity fruit. Potassium should be applied monthly, starting from the date on
which the first flowers appear. Strawberries also need a constant supply of
nitrogen, especially after they have been planted. Any source of nitrogen
can be used. However, care should be taken when using granular fertilis-
ers such as limestone ammoniumitrate (LAN). All the granules should be
removed from the leaves by applying irrigation directly after fertilisation.
This will prevent the fertiliser from burning the leaves. Potassium and
nitrogen levels within the soil of between 20 to 30 mg/kg and 40 to 80 mg/
kg respectively will ensure optimum production.
Liquid or slow-releasing nitrogen fertilisers can be applied. However, these
types of fertilisers are more expensive, although they are more effective. A
practical way of fertilising strawberries is to dissolve the fertiliser in water.
Two handfuls (± 100 g) of LAN and one handful (± 50 g) of potassium
chloride (KCl) can be dissolved in 10 l of water. This quantity should be
sufficient for 200 to 300 plants if it is applied with a watering can. Excessive
nitrogen applications will result in excessive vegetal growth with little or no

10
fruit. It is therefore advisable to apply small quantities of nitrogen every
fortnight. Small volumes of irrigation should be applied directly after each
application in order to prevent leaching of fertilisers.

Irrigation
Certain important factors should be taken into account in deciding on the
time and frequency of irrigation. Such factors include soil type, water qual-
ity, weather conditions, season, type of fruit, the type of irrigation system
used as well as mulching.
Sandy soils have low water-holding capacities. It is therefore essential to
apply small volumes of water at relatively short intervals, i.e. 2 to 3 days
between irrigations. Loamy and clayey soils, on the other hand, have
higher water-holding capacities. Larger volumes of water should therefore
be applied with longer intervals between irrigations such as once 4 to 5
days between irrigations.
Soil containing large quantities of organic material can hold water more
effectively and longer intervals between irrigations should be allowed.
Excessive irrigation can result in the leaching of nutrients from the soil
while waterlogging and root disease can occur. Insufficient water would
inevitably inhibit plant and fruit growth as well as fruit quality. Plants should
therefore never be allowed to wilt.
The climate also determines how often and how intensively one should
irrigate. It is evident that strawberries, which are planted in warmer cli-
matic regions, would require more water in comparison to plants in cooler
regions. Rainfall should be taken into account in deciding when to irrigate.
Wind also influences the water consumption. It is essential to replenish the
water in the soil after a long windy period. Less irrigation will be necessary
during spring and autumn when the temperatures are lower than during the
warmer and drier summer months.
Watering-cans, buckets and hosepipes can be used to irrigate the plants.
An irrigation system can be installed if more sophisticated equipment is
preferred. However, it is important to have the irrigation system designed
by an expert. Different types of irrigation systems can be used, such as
overhead sprinklers, microsprinklers and drippers.

Weed control
Weeds can be controlled either mechanically of chemically. However,
hand hoeing is labour intensive and time consuming. Hoeing can also
damage the roots or fruit of the strawberry plants. Caution should be taken

11
when herbicides are used for weed control. The herbicide must not come
into contact with the strawberry plant. User instructions, as supplied by the
manufacturer of the herbicide, should be adhered to.

Pest control
Regular monitoring of pest is of the utmost importance. This will ensure
timely intervention in order to control the pests before the infestations
reach critical levels. There are several insecticides, which are registered
for strawberries in order to control specific pests. It is important to adhere
to the user instructions as supplied by the manufacturers. However, more
environmental friendly insecticides can also be used, such as infusions
(tea) which can be obtained from herbs such as sweet basil, garlic or khaki
bush weed. There are certain general control measures which can be
taken to minimise pests and diseases, viz:
• Avoid planting strawberries in poorly drained soils
• Avoid planting in areas where pests and diseases prevailed
• Apply crop rotation practices
• Remove weeds and any unwanted crop residue
• Choose pest resistant cultivars
• Aerate the soil before planting
Red spider mite infestations present one of the biggest problems in straw-
berry production. They can cause severe damage to a plant by sucking the
sap from the leaves. Red spider mites are usually visible as tiny red spots
on the underside of the leaves and are particularly active on leaves which
are exposed to direct sunlight. Heavy infestations can be identified by vis-
ible shiny threads, which are produced by the mites. Although there are
insecticides available which can be used to eradicate this pest, adequate
control can usually be obtained by spraying the affected plants with a di-
luted sugar or soap solution. Liquid extracts which were mentioned above,
can also be sprayed onto the underside of the leaves order to control red
spider mite.
An alternative is biological control. However, any chemical formulation that
is used to kill red spider mites would also kill their natural enemies, viz.
predatory mites. It is very difficult to control red spider mites as they appear
to have a developed a certain degree of resistance to most of the miticides
which are currently used commercially.
Other pests, which generally damage the fruit, include crickets, snails and
slugs, American bollworms and cutworms, millipedes and certain kinds

12
of beetles. The best method of controlling these pests is to prevent them
from multiplying by the use of Mesurol pellets. Another approach is to use
pineapple and apple skins, which is covered with carbaryl powder, as bait.
Birds are also problematic. Scarecrows or light-reflecting mirrors can be
erected to repel birds.

Disease control
Leafspot, also called chocolate spot, is the most frequent fungal disease
which affects strawberry leaves. The first signs of this disease appear
as small, brown spots on the upper leaf surfaces of older leaves. The
number of spots is usually an indication of the extent of the disease. The
key to good control is proper sanitation. Infected and old leaves should
be removed. Good air flow through proper plant spacing will minimise the
spread of the disease. The volume of free water around the plants should
be reduced. Hot, humid conditions promote fungal infections.
Reddish-purple spots and blotches on the leaves can identify powdery mil-
dew, another fungal disease which inhibits plant growth, reduces the yield
and reduces fruit quality. Closer examination would reveal white, powdery
mycelium which is a loose network of the delicate filaments (hyphae) that
form the body of a fungus. Warm, wet weather conditions are favourable to
the occurrence of fungal diseases and the longer these conditions prevail,
the higher the risks of fungal infections will be. Plants should therefore not
be spaced too densely as it will take a long period for the leaves to dry.
Copper-containing chemicals, such as copper oxychloride, will control fun-
gal diseases to a reasonable extent, especially if applied as a preventive
measure. Systemic fungicides are used by commercial farmers. However,
it is not advisable for the home gardener to use these fungicides as it is not
only expensive but it also poses a health risk.
Botrytis is a grey mould which is most probably the biggest enemy of
strawberries. This disease can only infect damaged of dead plant tissue.
Most of the infection occurs during the flowering period, especially during
hot, humid weather conditions. Fruit which is damaged by insects or other
means is usually infected. The infected fruit consequently starts rooting
and will eventually be covered with a dense grey blanket of mycelium. The
fungus can also affect dying petals and stamens and will spread rapidly
to the developing fruit. Botrytis can be controlled by fungicides which are
formulated specifically to control it. These fungicides should be applied
from flowering until harvest. User instructions of these fungicides should
be adhered to.

13
Botrytis can also be controlled by following sensible cultivation practices.
Cultivation practices which would enhance the infection by the fungus
should be avoided. Plants should not be spaced too closely. More water
should be applied per irrigation and the intervals between irrigations
should be increased. This would allow the leaves to dry and therefore
inhibit fungal infection.
Excessive application of nitrogen fertiliser should be avoided as it would
stimulate excessive leaf growth. This, in turn, will lead to a dense canopy
of leaves which would create humid conditions with consequential fungal
infection. Even small, immature berries would be affected under these con-
ditions. The disease would spread rapidly on fruit which is in direct contact
with warm, wet soil or on wet organic material. The use of plastic mulching
can assist in avoiding this problem. Infected fruit should be removed and
disposed of by either incinerating it or burying it in an area far from the
strawberry field.
Other fungal diseases attack strawberry plants apart from the most fre-
quent diseases mentioned earlier. These include leaf scorch, leaf blight,
leather rot, Anthracnose and red stele root rot. It is therefore important to
contact the authors of this publication for expert advice on the identification
and control of these diseases.

Other cultivation practices

The use of mulch has many advantages. It can improve the structure of
the soil, minimise evaporation and prevent runoff of the applied water.
Germination of weed seeds can be prevented by the smothering effect of
the mulch. Different types of materials can be used as mulch. Bark, wood
chippings, newspapers, hay, compost, plastic and even stones can be
used as mulch.
The application of fertilisers should not be obstructed by the mulch.
Organic materials will also hold water and can prevent some of the applied
water from reaching the soil surface. It is therefore necessary to adapt the
irrigation and more water should therefore be applied. This will ensure that
adequate water reaches the root zone.

Harvesting
Fruit is hand-harvested. The best time for harvesting is either during the
early morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures are low. The fruit
must be picked when ripe and mature, in other words, when the fruit tastes

14
 sweet and are completely red.
Fruit should be harvested every
second day or twice per week.
The strawberries can be picked
form the plant by grasping
the stem, approximately 2 cm
above each berry, between the
forefinger and thumbnail and
pulling it with a slight twisting
motion (see picture below).
The calyx end (hull) should still
be intact. Care should be taken
not to bruise the fruit. The fruit should then be placed carefully into a con-
tainer without stacking it. Overripe or damaged fruit must be removed. The
fruit must be protected from direct sunlight, warm winds and dirt once it has
been harvested, whereupon it should be transported to a cool, clean shed
or room where it is graded according to size and packaged. Large and
small fruit should not be packaged together. The fruit should be packed
in such a way that all the berries are supported as well as visible to the
consumer. Packaging material consists of transparent plastic trays (also
called punnets) and suitable cling wrap. The last step is to transport it into
cold storage as soon as possible. Care should be taken in handling and
during transportation to prevent the fruit from bruising.

POST-HARVEST
POST-HARVEST HAN
HANDLING
NDLIN
NG
The shelf-life of strawberries is directly related to temperature. Variations
in temperature from time of harvesting up to presenting the fruit to the
consumer, will determine the marketability of the fruit. Grey mould, leather
rot and other fungi which cause the fruit to rot, cannot grow at low tempera-
tures (0 to 2 oC). Warm fruit also bruises easily. It is therefore essential to
precool the fruit within 1 hour after harvesting before it is refrigerated. This
can be achieved by keeping the fruit in a cool, well-ventilated room.
Strawberries have a shelf-life of about 4 days, provided ideal handling and
cooling conditions prevail. Unripe, red-pink coloured fruit can be kept for 7
to 10 days at 2 oC. However, the flavour and aroma of the fruit would not
be similar to the fruit which has ripened naturally.
It is important to wrap the fruit with suitable wrapping material (PWGS
Vitafilm). Wrapping creates an artificial atmosphere around the fruit where
the oxygen concentration is decreased and carbon dioxide increased. This

15
artificial atmosphere will improve the keeping quality. Wrapping will also
limit bruising and contamination when handled.

PRODUCTION
PRODUCTION SCHEDULES
SCHE
EDULES
A typical production schedule, which is followed within the Western Cape
Province, is shown below.
Activities

September

November

December
February
January

October
August
March

June
April

May

July
Soil sampling

Soil preparation

Planting

Fertilisation

Irrigation

Pest control

Disease control

Weed control

Harvesting

Marketing

UTILISA
UTILIS
SATION
TIO
ON
Apart from fresh consumption, strawberries can be frozen or processed
into either canned strawberries, jams, jellies, syrups or juices. Strawberries
can be added to a variety of products such as yogurt, ice cream and fruit
nectars as well as in confectionery such as cakes and pastry.
Strawberries are not only an excellent source of vitamins A and C, calcium,
iron, potassium and antioxidants but are also low in calories and contain a
fairly high percentage of dietary fibre. Strawberries contain more vitamin C
than oranges and a 100 g portion will meet the daily dietary requirements
of vitamin C of an adult person. The leaves and roots are believed to have
medicinal value as it is used to cure diarrhoea, indigestion and gout, while
the fruit juice is used to treat sunburn, skin blemishes and discoloured
teeth (Robertson, 2006).

16
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
ANON, 2006a. History and lore. The University of Illinois Extension, http://
www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/strawberries/history.html, 16 October 2006,
12:10.
ANON, 2006b. Strawberry. Wikipedia – The free encyclopedia. Wikimedia
Foundation. Inc. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawberry, 16 October
2006, 12:00.
B ESTER , C.W.J. 1982. Inligtingsbulletin no 490: Groei- en plukseisoen
van aarbeie. Navorsingsinstituut vir Vrugte en Vrugtetegnologie,
Stellenbosch.
BESTER, C.W.J. & HURTER, N. 1982. Inligtingsbulletin no. 491: Vestiging
van aarbeilande. Navorsingsinstituut vir Vrugte en Vrugtetegnologie,
Stellenbosch.
FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION. 2006. Major food and agricultural
commodities and producers. http://www.fao.org/es/ess/top/commodity.
html, 21 November 2006, 13:00.
GALLETTA, G. J. & HIMELRICK, D. G. 1989. Small fruit crop management.
Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
K ARSTEN , M.C.1955. The old Company’s Garden at the Cape and its
Superintendents. Maskew Miller Limited, Cape Town.
LOWE, C. 2006. Strawberries: A very merry berry. Inmamaskitchen. http://
www.inmamaskitchen.com/food_is_art/strawart.html, 24 October 2006,
10:00.

PERSONAL
PERSONAL C
COMMUNICATION
OMMU
UNIC
CATIO
ON
BOURBON-LEFTLEY, W. 2006. Strawberry Growers’ Association, Paarl.

17
 Further information can be obtained from

Directorate Plant Production

Private Bag X250
PRETORIA 0001

Tel: +27 12 319 6072

Fax: +27 12 319 6353
E-mail: DPP@daff.gov.za

18
NOTES
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