Cultivating healthy and vigorous seedlings is the foundation of successful strawberry production. This process involves selecting appropriate varieties, establishing a dedicated nursery, and implementing proper management practices to ensure high-quality planting material.
1.1 Selecting Suitable Varieties
To promote efficient cultivation in greenhouses, it's essential to choose varieties that exhibit early flower bud differentiation, shallow dormancy, cold resistance, high yield, and superior quality. Commonly used varieties in current production include Fengxiang, Mingbao, Ghost Anger Gan, Zhangmu Girl, Xing Xiang, and Zhang Ji. These varieties are well-suited for greenhouse conditions and can significantly enhance productivity and fruit quality.
1.2 Establishing a Special Nursery
1.2.1 Site Selection
A suitable site for the nursery should have loose soil, good drainage, and access to irrigation. It should be located on elevated ground, facing south, and free from previous crops like strawberries or vegetables that may harbor pests and diseases. The soil should be sandy loam, with no compaction, waterlogging, or heavy crop residue. Before planting, the soil should be sterilized using chemical or solar methods to eliminate pathogens. Seedbeds should be prepared in a 1:4 ratio, ensuring optimal space for growth.
1.2.2 Planting Mother Plants
The best option for mother plants is to use virus-free seedlings produced through tissue culture. These seedlings have strong growth potential, disease resistance, and can fully express the variety’s characteristics, resulting in higher yields and better quality. To maintain genetic purity, only healthy, disease-free plants should be selected as mother plants. Weak or mixed seedlings should be removed regularly. The spacing between mother plants depends on the variety, with larger spacing recommended for those with strong stolon development. For example, varieties like Mingbao and Fengxiang require about 1-1.2 square meters per plant, while others such as Zhangmu Girl need only 0.5 square meters. Typically, 800–1200 mother plants are planted per 666.7 square meters, with a spacing of 40–60 cm between them.
1.2.3 Planting Techniques
Mother plants are usually planted between late February and early April to extend the propagation period. When planting, old leaves should be removed, and the planting depth should be such that the base of the heart and the top of the root neck are level with the soil surface. After planting, the soil should be watered thoroughly to help the roots establish. In mid to late April, the plastic film should be removed once the plants have stabilized.
1.3 Nursery Management
1.3.1 Soil Fertility Management
After planting, the soil should be loosened to create a favorable environment for root establishment. Excessive nitrogen application should be avoided to prevent excessive vegetative growth and reduce the risk of disease. If necessary, a small amount of fertilizer can be applied during the growing season, but it should not exceed 10–15 kg of compound fertilizer per 666.7 square meters. Watering should be done carefully, avoiding flooding, and weeding should be performed regularly to keep the area clean.
1.3.2 Managing Mother Plants and Stolons
1.3.2.1 Removing Flower Buds
During the spring, any flower buds that appear on the mother plants should be removed promptly to redirect energy toward stolon development and the production of healthy seedlings.
1.3.2.2 Managing Vines
Stolons should be arranged neatly to prevent overcrowding. They should be kept at a distance of 10–15 cm apart, either by pressing them into the soil or using supports like grass stalks or wire frames. This helps improve air circulation and light penetration, promoting even growth.
1.3.2.3 Gibberellin Spraying
Gibberellin (0.3–0.5 g per 10 liters of water) can be sprayed on the leaves to stimulate growth and increase the number of runners.
1.3.2.4 Weeding
Chemical herbicides such as trifluralin can be applied before planting to control weeds. Manual weeding should also be carried out regularly, especially during the early stages of plant growth.
1.3.2.5 Removing Old Leaves
Old and diseased leaves should be removed regularly to maintain the health of the mother plants. Keeping 4–5 healthy leaves on each plant ensures continued growth and vigor.
1.3.2.6 Pest and Disease Control
Insect pests can be controlled using insecticides such as trichlorfon or phoximine, while fungal diseases can be managed with fungicides like thiophanate-methyl or chlorothalonil. Proper concentrations should be used to avoid damage to the plants.
1.4 Root-Cutting Transplantation
1.4.1 Selecting Seedlings for Transplantation
Root-cutting seedlings should be transplanted in late June to July. Healthy seedlings with 3 leaves should be selected, and their stems should be cut near the base. The roots should be dipped in water and placed in pots to prepare for transplanting. The planting bed should be covered with a layer of mulch to retain moisture and protect the young roots from pests.
1.4.2 Transplanting Cuttings
Cuttings should be transplanted 20 days before flower buds form, typically in mid to late August. Medium-sized seedlings with 4–5 leaves and a thick root neck are ideal. The roots should be cut into small blocks and transplanted with proper spacing. Watering should be done the day before transplanting to ease the process and prevent temporary wilting, which is normal. The number of transplants depends on the plant’s growth stage and flower bud development, with 1–2 rounds generally being sufficient.
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