Experiments on Strawberry-Growing in the Central Western Mountainous Region of Puerto Rico

Abstract

Experiments on strawberry-growing were carried on for several years at Castañer located in the Central Western Mountainous Region of Puerto Rico. The experimental field had Alonso clay soil with pH range from 5.91 to 6.30. It was fairly level and well-drained. Its altitude above sea level was approximately 1,800 feet. The dormant strawberry plants received from Maryland produced numerous runner plants when planted in spring. The multiplication was 23.4 to 85.20 times. The runner plants were quite suited for fall planting. The strawberry varieties Florida Ninety, Missionary, Klonmore, Blakemore, and Hybrid (Missionary x Pocahontas) were tested in replicated plots in different field trials. In general the first two varieties gave relatively higher fruit yields. The strawberry plantings made during spring yielded more than those planted during fall. A strawberry planting made during fall produced a very small crop the second year. Thus renewing strawberry plantings did not seem to be justified. The strawberry varieties fruited from December to June. Much of the crop was harvested from January to April. The strawberry varieties differed in fruit characteristics. The two high-yielding varieties, Florida Ninety and Missionary, were observed to be producing fruits of good quality. Fruits harvested when almost ripe, and showing only some green or white color, kept well at room temperature for about a day. If, immediately after harvesting, they were stored at 40°F. they remained in fairly good condition for several days. The fruits had good taste and were much liked for eating fresh. The strawberry plantings were affected by cutworms (Agrotis sp.), slugs, and nematodes which were controlled by the use of suitable insecticides. Florida Ninety and Hybrid were severely affected by the common leaf spot disease caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella fragariae (Tul.) Lindu. The other varieties remained almost free from the disease. The present study indicates that the strawberry can be raised in home gardens, and possibly on a commercial scale, in the Central Western Mountainous Region of Puerto Rico. However, as its cost of production seems to be quite high, farmers interested in raising it commercially should first plant it on a small scale to get necessary experience in its culture and marketing of fruits.