Training of strawberry

Training

        There are 4 training systems—matted row, spaced row, hill and plastic mulch. Generally matted row system is followed in our country.

Matted row: This is the simplest and least expensive method. The runners are usually planted at 90cm × 45cm spacing. In Himachal Pradesh, a spacing of 60cm × 25cm for Chandler is optimum. After the initial growth of the first year, runners are allowed to cover the vacant space all around the mother plants ultimately covering the whole vacant space and giving the appearance of a mat. It is generally followed in heavy soils which are free from weeds. In this system, more number of plants can be accommodated/unit area which give a higher yield under suitable conditions. The overcrowding may cause higher fruit rot. Thus care must be taken to maintain the optimum number of plants without overcrowding.

Spaced row: This system is suitable for cultivars that are moderate to weak in producing runners. The daughter plants are spaced at definite distances by covering the selected tips of runners with soil which become plants. This is done till the desired number of daughter plants are obtained for each mother plant. The runners formed later on are removed.

Hill system: This system is followed for the cultivars developing a few runners. All runners are removed from the mother plants. The individual plants
become large and bear more than those in matted row. The plants are planted 25–30cm apart in twin rows 20–30cm apart and 100–110cm spacing between twin rows. A small tractor can be used for tillage. Where cultivation is done manually, the rows can be spaced closer at 60cm. In some cases triple rows are set.

Plastic film: Green or black plastic film is used as a mulch for the hill system to control weeds and conserve moisture, but on hot days, some scalding of berries takes place. In this system, berries are kept clean and rot and mold are reduced. The plants bloom earlier. These are prone to damage by frost.