shorter shelf life and increased plant disease, he noted. Strawberry nutritional


requirements are also lower than other greenhouse crops.


The researchers began with bare root plants, transplanting them into seven-litre pots Feb. 16, 2011 and growing them until Jan. 15, 2012. All the plants were irrigated


regularly using a hydroponic system with four-litre-per-hour emitters providing a blend of organic fertilizers, blood meal, humic acids, rock phosphate and potassium


sulphate. Berries were harvested twice per


week and data was recorded, including the weight and number of fruits.


Predatory mites, wasps and other biological controls were used to suppress pests. Biofungicides were used to prevent


and control diseases such as powdery mildew.


Torres recommended that additional cultivars, developed for protected cultivation, should be tested next.


JUDIE STEEVES


irrigation was required. Torres reported that calcium deficiency, a common strawberry nutritional disorder under protected cultivation was present in the trial, just after transplanting. He said less than optimal environmental conditions such as low light levels or increased water, contribute to low calcium, which negatively affects productivity.


Albion was particularly susceptible and he warned that care needs to be taken to remedy the deficiency. Torres found that blood meal as a source of nitrogen had the strongest impact on plant development. However, since a lush green canopy and large leaf size will not produce a bountiful crop, timing is very important in addition to the rate of application.


A well-balanced nutrient solution is required in order to achieve high plant production, he found, but admitted it is a challenge in hydroponic systems using organic fertilizers.


Strawberries have low water and nutritional requirements. Overwatering causes fruit softness,


12 British Columbia Berry Grower • Spring 2013


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