Strawberries can suffer a 80% reduction in fruit production when water-stressed at the beginning of the growing season.
Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) is classified as a low-growing plant with superficial roots (30 cm from the soil profile) with preferentially lateral growth and a crown from which arise basal leaves.
When growing this plant there are two very important periods: (1) transplanting and (2) vegetative growth after winter. Strawberry transplants are generally done in autumn, as the plant begins to enter a dormant period, so the impact of stress is less. Then the plant goes through the winter with minimal activity. In the spring the plant undergoes renewed vegetative growth.
The characteristics of strawberries, make it a very sensitive plant to all types of stress, especially water stress. That is why it is important to provide the plant with the necessary elements to overcome the transplant and be able to achieve a successful establishment.
Root system architecture has a central role in plants’ response to abiotic stresses (Lynch, 1995).
Having a good plant development below the ground is an essential factor to tolerate water stress and to achieve a satisfactory establishment and a quick vegetative growth in spring, which will take the plant to a high production potential.
Root hairs are responsible for the uptake of water and nutrients, the greater its development, the greater the area of exploration in the soil and the greater the use of mechanisms to help the plant perform better in times of drought, like e.g., the change on its solute concentration (Chaves MM, Flexas J, Pinheiro C, 2009).
Water stress causes less photosynthesis, fewer number of fruits and flowers, among other negative consequences.
TIMAC AGRO technologies is can help avoid stress and ensure a good establishment in strawberries and activate vegetative growth of the plant after the dormant period in winter.
Our solutions can:
- Improve the development of the root system
- Increase nutrient absorption
- Stimulate nutrient assimilation and mobilization within the plant
- Increase tolerance to cold and dry weather in early stages
Contact your local TIMAC AGRO Field Rep to find out which solution can improve your next strawberry yield.
