Once we are passed the threat of experiencing -12 c
temperatures, the straw should be removed from the strawberry fields. The temperatures forecasted for the valley
this week are really quite warm and we will no doubt see the strawberry plants
begin to push with new growth. If the
strawberries are uncovered and exposed to sunlight, energy to fuel the new
growth will be generated from the leaves and new growth. But, if the straw is left on too long the
energy for this new growth will be taken from the crown, leaving the plant weaker. If this goes on for too long the plant
will bloom earlier as a stress response, perhaps requiring more frost
protection in the spring. Due to the
plant using up some of its energy reserves from the crown and being slightly stressed, the resulting berry crops tends to be smaller in size, yield and earlier than
normal. For these reasons, I like to
see growers get the straw off early, (and this year letting the plants and
soil dry out) in order to maximize yield.
While you are out there removing straw have a look around
for small weeds and root problems that we may have to address in the coming
weeks.
Today, I finally finished editing two more video's:
Blackberry Rotating Cross Arm Trellis with Patrick Byers from University of Missouri Extension: Click Here
I would like to take a moment and thank Patrick for taking the time to present to us. This is a very interesting system and he was great to give a a northern perspective on it.
Common Diseases of Berry Crops with Perennia's Dustin MacLean: Click Here
Previous video from the Berry Primer:
AAFC Berry Breeding and Variety Evaluations with AAFC's Beatrice Amyotte: Click Here
Integrating Biologicals into your Spray Program with Perennia's Dustin MacLean: Click Here
Nematode Survey Results and Management with Perennia’s Matt Peill: Click Here
Silica and it's importance in Plant Health and Yield with University of Toledo's Wendy Zellner: Click Here