High productivity of soilless strawberry cultivation under rain shelters

Abstract

Abstract The effect of rain shelters on the performance of the day-neutral strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) Monterey cultivar was studied in northern Quebec in trials extending over 2 years. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the benefits of growing strawberry crops under plastic rain shelters in terms of yield, fruit quality, disease incidence and economical returns for soilless strawberry production. Five treatments were carried out and these included four − under rain shelters cultivation (T1 to T4) and one under open-air conditions (the Control, C). Under rain shelters conditions, plants were grown in either peat (PE; T1 treatment) or peat-sawdust (PS25; T2 treatment) substrates. Early forcing of bare-root plants (T3) in combination with a rain shelter cover was also carried out in an attempt to generate consistent early yields by the end of July as such would allow producers to capture a niche market for strawberries in Quebec. Finally in T4, the PE substrate was laid onto a capillary mat to determine the potential of sub-surface water retention technology to minimize water use. In comparison to the Control treatment, protected cultivation led to a significantly lower incidence of strawberry mildew [Sphaerotheca macularis (Wall. ex Fries)] and consistently higher marketable yields which largely compensated for the initial costs associated with the rain shelters. When grown under greenhouse conditions, forced plants had a significant production peak earlier, coinciding with the period of high prices for fresh strawberries in 2013. However, the economical analysis revealed that this method was not always profitable. Balancing economical and environmental considerations, the conditions of the T4 treatment were found to be best for generating both consistent water savings and profits (CAD $ 724–1356 per 0.1 ha) compared to the Control. Taken together, our results highlight the potential for rain shelters for soilless strawberry production, and should be a more profitable and environmentally friendly cultivation method for strawberry producers.