Strawberry

           Strawberry, (genus Fragaria), genus of more than 20 species of flowering plants in the rose family (Rosaceae) and their edible fruit. Strawberries are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and cultivated varieties are widely grown throughout the world. 

Nutrition Facts

             The fruits are rich in vitamin C and are commonly eaten fresh as a dessert fruit, are used as a pastry or pie filling, and may be preserved in many ways. The strawberry shortcake made of fresh strawberries, sponge cake, and whipped cream is a dessert.

           Strawberry farming is a multi-million dollar business around the world. The fruit is a high value crop for export and local market, though the export market has not been exploited in Sri Lanka due to limited supplies. The estimated total strawberry production in Sri Lanka is 40% while the demand is over It is worth noting that 60%

        Strawberries are easy to grow, require minimal land and thrive well in a wide range of temperatures ranging from mild to hot. Strawberries are so versatile – they just need sun, fertile, well drained soil and modest amount of water. From the smallest farm of 20 ft. x 100ft (or 1/20 acres) a farmer will earn a minimum of LKR 75 K over the production cycle.

           Strawberry is a high value crop with great potential for income generation and employment creation through cultivation and application in value added products including yogurt, fresh juice and jam. Strawberry is a delicious fruit taken fresh in several ways. It also makes excellent ice cream and Jam on account of its rich aroma, and is also a good source of vitamin C. It is a soft and a highly perishable fruit, often shipped in frozen condition in Western countries.

Environmental Conditions of Strawberry Farming

Temperature

Day-neutral strawberries will flower and set strawberries whenever  the temperature is in the range of 20 Co to 29 Co (35 Fo to 85 Fo). 29 Co is considered the upper limit at which day-neutral strawberries will produce flowers. Those growing strawberry in greenhouses should observe this fact and try and adjust temperature conditions.

Soil pH 

Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soils with a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5. Too low pH values may require applications of ground limestone to increase the pH of more acid soils. Soil pH level over 8 adversely affects certain strawberry nutrients, especially the iron levels in certain cultivars. Yellowing in strawberries is also common where soil pH is high. The use of green manures and acidifying fertilizers can reduce the soil pH to some degree.