Complete Guide to Strawberry Cultivation and Pest Management: From Variety Selection to Green Agriculture

In the colorful world of fruits, strawberries stand out as one of the most economically valuable berry crops globally, shining like a jewel with unique charm. Loved for their delightful taste and rich nutritional and antioxidant content, strawberries have become a favorite in healthy diets. With the rising demand for healthy food and green agricultural products, innovations in strawberry cultivation and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are advancing rapidly.

Choosing the Right Strawberry Variety

June-bearing Strawberries

These strawberries produce a concentrated harvest in early summer with rich flavor and high yield. Their predictable fruiting pattern makes them ideal for large-scale planting.

Everbearing / Day-neutral Strawberries

These types are more flexible, flowering and fruiting multiple times a year under suitable conditions, offering farmers multiple harvest opportunities.

When selecting varieties, growers must consider climate, soil type, and light conditions. For example, high-yield varieties thrive in temperate regions with abundant sunlight, while fertile, loose soils are better suited for premium-quality varieties.

Soil Preparation and Planting

Preferred Soil for Strawberries

Strawberries grow best in loose, well-drained, organic-rich, slightly acidic soils (pH 5.5–6.5). Such soils provide sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the roots, ensuring high yield and quality.

Pre-planting Preparations

• Deep plowing: Up to 30 cm, removing weeds and stones.

• Organic fertilization: Apply compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and water retention.

• Proper planting depth: The crown should be level with the soil; too deep restricts growth, too shallow risks drying roots.

Strawberry Field Management

Watering Strawberries

Moisture is vital for strawberries. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Frequent, light irrigation works best for young plants, especially during drought periods.

Fertilization for Strawberries

• June-bearing strawberries: Apply low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer after harvest to promote flower bud differentiation.

• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages leaf growth and reduces fruiting.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regular manual weeding prevents nutrient competition.

• Mulching with straw or organic matter helps suppress weeds, conserve soil moisture, and regulate temperature.

Strawberry Pests and Diseases Control

Common Strawberry Pests

• Aphids

• Thrips

• Mites

• Nematodes

• Slugs and Snails

Recommended eco-friendly control products: King’s Thrips off, King’s Mites off, King’s Nema off

Common Strawberry Diseases

• Powdery Mildew

• Botrytis (Gray Mold)

• Leaf Spot

• Anthracnose

• Verticillium Wilt

Recommended crop protection products: King’s Care, King’s Shield, King’s Captan

By applying IPM strategies, such as crop rotation and responsible pesticide use, growers can reduce resistance risks and achieve long-term effective management.

Runner Management

Strawberry plants produce runners that, if left unchecked, divert nutrients from fruit development. Regular removal of excess runners helps concentrate energy into fruit production, ensuring higher yield and quality.

Harvesting and Storing Strawberries

Harvesting

• Takes 4–6 weeks from flowering to ripening.

• Harvest when berries are fully red for best flavor and nutrition.

• Pick in the afternoon by cutting stems instead of pulling fruit to avoid damaging plants.

• June-bearing varieties have a 3-week harvest window.

Storage

• Refrigeration: 3–5 days.

• Freezing: Up to 2 months.

• Processing: Dried strawberries or jam for higher added value.

Green Agriculture and Sustainability

As food safety and environmental protection become priorities, Green Agriculture and IPM strategies are shaping the future of strawberry farming.

Since 2003, King Quenson has been dedicated to innovative Crop Protection Solutions, leveraging over 21 years of expertise to help farmers achieve high-yield, high-quality, and sustainable strawberry production.

By promoting eco-friendly pest management and crop rotation, more growers are adopting sustainable practices that enhance strawberry yield and quality while protecting ecosystems for the future.