How to Prevent Hollow Strawberries? A Full Analysis of the Latest Measures
After strawberries bear fruit, not all the berries develop well; sometimes problems arise, such as hollow berries. The fruit looks the same as other berries on the outside, with a normal size, and some are even quite large. But when cut open, the strawberry is hollow inside in the form of a long slit, and the taste is not as good as that of normal strawberries. So today I will explain to you what causes this and how to prevent this phenomenon from occurring.
I. Causes of the problem
1. Low temperature
Low temperatures during the fruit-setting period affect growth, causing development to slow down. When temperatures rise again later, growth speeds up again, and the uneven development before and after causes splitting and hollow cavities.
2. High temperature and weak light
If light is poor at flowering, or if high temperatures persist and exceed 35 degrees, flowering and flower development will be affected. If rain then follows, it can directly cause some pollen to lose vitality, resulting in poor pollination and fertilization and poor fruit growth.
3. Boron deficiency
If the plant grows weakly, or if harvesting is too late, or if the supply of nutrients, fertilizer and water is insufficient, or if the fruit is not harvested and keeps growing and aging, losing water and consuming too many nutrients, cavities will form. Also, transporting nutrients into the fruit requires sufficient boron, and boron deficiency may cause hollow berries.
4. Effects of swelling agents and varieties
Do not use swelling agents; accelerated growth easily leads to hollow interiors. After drought, adding too much water easily causes hollowing. Some varieties are inherently prone to hollowing, such as the Sachinoka and other varieties.
II. Preventive measures
1. Regulate temperature and light
As far as possible, use greenhouse or other protected cultivation, avoid low temperatures below 10 degrees, and pay attention to regulating temperature at all times. It is best to maintain a growing temperature of 20 degrees to 25 degrees, and do not exceed 35 degrees; high temperatures easily affect pollination and fertilization. During the flowering period, the plants must receive sufficient light; insufficient light easily causes flower drop and incomplete development of floral organs, affecting the fruit.
2. Control fertilizer and water
During the flowering and fruit-setting period, spray sufficient boron fertilizer and calcium fertilizer to promote the transport and supply of nutrients into the fruit. Maintain a balanced supply of fertilizer and water throughout all stages of the growing period. Do not let fertilizer or water run short. In addition, thin flowers and fruits to ensure that fertilizer and water are supplied to the fruit in a concentrated way. Normally maintain 60% soil moisture, maintain 45% soil moisture during the flowering period, and maintain a water content above 65% during the fruiting period. Water must also not be lacking in the later stage of growth.
The above are the specific causes of hollow strawberries. Then, based on the causes, take preventive measures by adjusting temperature, light, water and fertilizer, and nutrition to prevent hollowing. Thank you for reading. The above content is provided for everyone's reference, and can also be combined with actual practice.