Strawberry

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Garden strawberries are a common variety of strawberry cultivated worldwide. Like other species of Fragaria (strawberries), it belongs to the family Rosaceae. Technically, it is not a fruit but a false fruit, meaning the fleshy part is derived not from the plant's ovaries (achenes) but from the peg at the bottom of the bowl-shaped hypanthium that holds the ovaries.

The Garden Strawberry was first bred in Brittany, France in 1740 via a cross of Fragaria virginiana from eastern North America , which was noted for its flavor, and Fragaria chiloensis from Chile brought by Amédée-François_Frézier, which was noted for its large size.

Cultivars of Fragaria × ananassa have replaced, in commercial production, the Woodland Strawberry, which was the first strawberry species cultivated in the early 17th century.

Cultivation

Fragaria × ananassa 'Gariguette,' a cultivar grown in southern France.

Strawberry cultivars vary remarkably in size, color, flavor, shape, degree of fertility, season of ripening, liability to disease and constitution of plant. Some vary in foliage, and some vary materially in the relative development of their sexual organs. In most cases the flowers appear hermaphroditic in structure, but function as either male or female.

For purposes of commercial production, plants are propagated from runners and generally distributed as either bare root plants or plugs. Cultivation follows one of two general models, annual plasticulture or a perennial system of matted rows or mounds. A small amount of strawberries are also produced in greenhouses during the off season.

A garden using the plasticulture method

The bulk of modern commercial production uses the plasticulture system. In this method, raised beds are formed each year, fumigated, and covered with plastic, which prevents weed growth and erosion, under which is run irrigation tubing. Plants, usually obtained from northern nurseries, are planted through holes punched in this covering. Runners are removed from the plants as they appear, to encourage the plants to put most of their energy into fruit development. At the end of the harvest season, the plastic is removed and the plants are plowed into the ground. Because strawberry plants more than a year or two old begin to decline in productivity and fruit quality, this system of replacing the plants each year allows for improved yields and denser plantings. However, because it requires a longer growing season to allow for establishment of the plants each year, and because of the increased costs in terms of forming and covering the mounds and purchasing plants each year, it is not always practical in all areas.

The other major method, which uses the same plants from year to year growing in rows or on mounds, is most common in colder climates. It has lower investment costs, and lower overall maintenance requirements. Yields are typically lower than in plasticulture.

Fragaria × ananassa 'Chandler,' a short day commercial cultivar grown in California.

Strawberries are often grouped according to their flowering habit. Traditionally, this has consisted of a division between "June-bearing" strawberries, which bear their fruit in the early summer and "Ever-bearing" strawberries, which often bear several crops of fruit throughout the season. More recently, research has shown that strawberries actually occur in 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 which induces flower formation. Day neutral cultivars produce flowers regardless of the photoperiod.

Strawberries may also be propagated by seed, though this is primarily a hobby activity, and is not widely practiced commercially. A few seed-propaged cultivars have been developed for home use, and research into growing from seed commercially is ongoing. Seeds (achene) are acquired either via commercial seed suppliers, or by collecting and saving them from the fruit.

From Fertilization to Market

Most strawberries are now fertilized with artificial fertilizers, both before and after harvesting, and often before planting in plasticulture.

The harvesting and cleaning process has not changed substantially over time. The delicate strawberries are still harvested by hand. Grading and packing often occurs in the field, rather than in a processing facility. In large operations, strawberries are cleaned by means of water streams and shaking conveyor belts.

Pests

Around 200 species of pests are known to attack strawberries both directly and indirectly. These pests include slugs, moths, fruit flies, chafers, Strawberry Root Weevils, Strawberry Thrips, Strawberry Sap Beetles, the Strawberry Crown Moth, mites, aphids, and others.

A number of species of Lepidoptera feed on strawberry plants; for details see this list.

Diseases

Strawberry plants can fall victim to a number of diseases. The leaves may be attacked by Powdery Mildew, Leaf spot (caused by the fungus Sphaerella fragariae), Leaf blight (caused by the fungus Phomopsis obscurans), and by a variety of Slime molds. The crown and roots may fall victim to Red Stele, Verticillium wilt, Black Root Rot, and Nematodes. The fruits are subject to damage from Gray Mold, Rhizopus Rot, and Leather Rot. The plants can also develop disease from temperature extremes during winter.

Production trends

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Strawberry output in 2005

World strawberries production 2005-2007 in metric tonnes (only countries with production of more than 50000 tonnes in 2007 are mentioned):

Uses

Strawberry jam

In addition to being consumed fresh, strawberries can be frozen, made into preserves, as well as dried and used in such things as cereal bars. Strawberries are a popular addition to dairy products, as in strawberry flavored ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies and yogurts. Strawberry pie is also popular.

Strawberry pigment extract can be used as a natural acid/base indicator due to the different color of the conjugate acid and conjugate base of the pigment.

Nutrition

One cup (144 g) of strawberries contains approximately 45 calories (188 kJ) and is an excellent source of vitamin C and flavonoids.

Strawberry Allergy

Some individuals may exhibit an anaphylactoid response to the consumption of strawberries. The most common form of this reaction is Oral allergy syndrome, but symptoms may also mimic Hay fever or include dermatitis or hives, and in severe cases may cause breathing problems Some research suggests that the allergen may be tied to the red pigment of most strawberry cultivars, and as such white/colorless strawberry cultivars may present a possible option for strawberry allergy sufferers.

Gallery

Closeup of the surface of a strawberry

Strawberry flowers and developing fruit

Halved strawberry showing internal structure

Ripe and unripe strawberries.

See also

• Fragaria vesca (Alpine Strawberry, Fraises des Bois, Woodland Strawberry, European Wild Strawberry)
• Fragaria moschata (Musk Strawberry, Hautbois Strawberry)
• List of Strawberry Varieties