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Strawberry malformation prevention
The primary cause of strawberry malformation is poor pollination and fertilization, but the severity of the issue also depends on several factors, including the variety of strawberry, the quality of flower buds, the presence of pollinators like insects, temperature, humidity, and the practice of spraying during flowering. To effectively prevent malformation in strawberry production, a comprehensive set of strategies should be implemented.
First, selecting suitable pollination varieties is crucial. Since strawberries are hermaphroditic but some varieties have better pollen viability, it's important to plant compatible varieties alongside the main cultivars. Varieties such as Baochao Zaosheng and Chunxiang produce abundant pollen. In Yantai greenhouses, where early cross-pollination is key, planting 5% to 10% of pollination varieties like Chunxiang or Fengxiang can significantly reduce malformation rates.
In greenhouse settings, where natural pollinators may be limited, especially in early spring, introducing beehives is an effective solution. This method is widely used in Japan and has proven successful. Bees typically fly within a 400-meter range and are most active between 8–9 AM and 3–4 PM, with optimal activity between 15°C and 30°C. It’s also important to protect and encourage other pollinators, such as wild bees and hoverflies, to enhance pollination efficiency.
Controlling temperature and humidity during flowering is another critical factor. The ideal temperature range is 20–28°C, and maintaining proper ventilation helps manage humidity levels. Using non-drip films can prevent condensation from affecting the flowers, while drip irrigation reduces air humidity without overwatering. During flowering, watering should only occur if the soil surface dries out, as excessive moisture can increase disease risk.
Pruning and thinning fruit clusters can also help reduce malformation. Overly dense flowering leads to the development of secondary flowers, which are more likely to become deformed. Thinning allows the plant to focus its energy on producing high-quality, well-formed fruits.
To minimize pesticide use, integrated pest management (IPM) should be prioritized. This includes cultural practices such as crop rotation, proper spacing, and maintaining clean growing environments. If chemical intervention is necessary, it should be applied either before or after flowering to avoid damaging the blossoms.
Lastly, artificial pollination techniques can be employed. Pollen transfer is most effective when performed around midday, during peak anther opening. Using fans or gentle breezes to simulate wind pollination can also improve fruit set and reduce malformation. These combined efforts ensure healthier, more uniform strawberry crops.