Introduction
Everbearing strawberries, also known as day-neutral varieties, have gained popularity among home gardeners and commercial growers for their ability to produce fruit throughout the growing season. Unlike June-bearing strawberries, which yield a single large crop in early summer, everbearing varieties offer a consistent supply of berries from spring to fall (Yamasaki, 2013). This extended fruiting period makes them particularly valuable for year-round production systems, including urban horticulture and vertical farming initiatives (Zacharaki et al., 2024).
Definition and characteristics of everbearing strawberry plants
Everbearing strawberry plants are characterized by their unique flowering and fruiting patterns, which are influenced by day length and temperature rather than solely by photoperiod (Yudin et al., 2023). These plants typically produce three main harvests throughout the growing season: one in spring, another in midsummer, and a final crop in late summer or early fall, depending on the specific cultivar and environmental conditions.
Brief history and development of everbearing varieties
The development of everbearing strawberry varieties can be traced back to the early 20th century, with significant advancements made in breeding programs during the 1970s (Draper et al., 1981). Notable cultivars such as 'Tribute' and 'Tristar' were among the first everbearing strawberries bred specifically for the eastern United States, combining disease resistance with improved fruit quality and productivity (Draper et al., 1981).
Advantages of Everbearing Strawberries
The extended fruiting period of everbearing strawberries offers several advantages for both home gardeners and commercial growers. These varieties provide a consistent supply of fresh berries over an extended season, reducing the need for storage and potentially increasing market value (Zacharaki et al., 2024). Additionally, everbearing strawberries are well-suited for urban horticulture systems, including vertical farming, which can contribute to year-round local fruit production and decreased reliance on imports (Zacharaki et al., 2024).
Extended harvest season
The extended harvest season of everbearing strawberries typically spans from late spring to early fall, with peak production periods occurring in June-July and September-October (Šimková et al., 2023). This prolonged fruiting period allows growers to capitalize on market demands and price fluctuations throughout the season, potentially increasing overall profitability.
Improved yield potential
Research has shown that everbearing strawberry cultivars can produce up to 30% higher yields compared to June-bearing varieties when grown under optimal conditions (Sønsteby et al., 2021). This increased yield potential is attributed to the plants' ability to continuously initiate flowers and develop fruits throughout the growing season, although it is important to note that proper management practices, such as runner removal, are crucial for maximizing productivity (Sønsteby et al., 2021).
Adaptability to various climates
Everbearing strawberry varieties have demonstrated remarkable adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, thriving in both temperate and subtropical regions. This adaptability is attributed to their unique physiological responses to temperature and photoperiod, allowing for successful cultivation across a wide range of latitudes and elevations (Matsui & Mochida, 2024).
Popular Everbearing Strawberry Varieties
Several everbearing strawberry cultivars have gained prominence in commercial production and home gardening. 'Seascape', developed at the University of California, is known for its high yield potential and excellent fruit quality across diverse climates (Zacharaki et al., 2024). 'Albion', another University of California release, has become popular due to its large, firm fruits with superior flavor and extended shelf life.
Seascape
'Seascape' strawberries are renowned for their large, conical fruits with a bright red color and glossy appearance. This variety exhibits excellent disease resistance, particularly to Verticillium wilt and Phytophthora crown rot, making it a preferred choice for organic cultivation systems.
Albion
'Albion' strawberries are characterized by their large, conical fruits with deep red coloration and exceptional flavor profile. This cultivar exhibits high resistance to Verticillium wilt, Phytophthora crown rot, and anthracnose crown rot, making it well-suited for organic production systems (Cankurt & ipek, 2023). Recent studies have shown that 'Albion' responds favorably to organic fertilization methods, with applications of vinasse at 2.5% concentration resulting in significantly increased yields compared to other treatments (Cankurt & ipek, 2023).
Evie-2
'Evie-2' is a highly productive everbearing strawberry variety known for its excellent fruit quality and adaptability to various growing conditions. This cultivar exhibits strong resistance to powdery mildew and produces medium to large fruits with a bright red color and balanced flavor profile.
San Andreas
'San Andreas' is another notable everbearing strawberry cultivar developed by the University of California, characterized by its large, firm fruits with excellent flavor and aroma. This variety demonstrates high resistance to Phytophthora crown rot and Verticillium wilt, making it well-suited for both conventional and organic production systems.
Growing Everbearing Strawberries
Successful cultivation of everbearing strawberries requires careful attention to environmental factors and management practices. Temperature control is particularly crucial, as these varieties perform optimally when daytime temperatures range between 20-26°C and nighttime temperatures remain above 10°C (Yamasaki, 2013). Additionally, maintaining consistent soil moisture through proper irrigation techniques is essential for sustained fruit production throughout the growing season.
Soil preparation and planting
Proper soil preparation is crucial for the successful cultivation of everbearing strawberries. The ideal soil pH for strawberry cultivation ranges from 5.5 to 6.5, with well-drained, loamy soils rich in organic matter being optimal for plant growth and fruit development (Kopeć et al., 2020). In terrace or rooftop gardening systems, a combination of soil, vermicompost, and cocopeat in equal proportions (1:1:1) has been found to be an effective potting substrate for strawberry cultivation in urban and peri-urban areas (Kumar et al., 2022).
Watering and fertilization requirements
Proper irrigation management is crucial for everbearing strawberries, as these plants require consistent soil moisture to support continuous flowering and fruiting. A study by Kumar et al. (2022) found that drip irrigation systems with mulching significantly improved water use efficiency and fruit yield in strawberry cultivation compared to conventional flood irrigation methods . Additionally, the application of organic fertilizers, such as vermicompost, has been shown to enhance soil fertility and promote sustainable production practices in strawberry cultivation.
Pest and disease management
Effective pest and disease management strategies are crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of everbearing strawberry plants. Integrated Soil Health Management (ISHM) offers a comprehensive framework for developing biointensive soil health management strategies, which can be particularly beneficial for addressing soil-borne diseases in strawberry cultivation (Muramoto et al., 2022). This approach incorporates comprehensive soil health diagnostics, location-specific knowledge, and a suite of management practices to optimize plant health and minimize disease incidence.
Pruning and maintenance techniques
Proper pruning techniques for everbearing strawberries involve the removal of runners and old leaves to promote energy allocation towards fruit production. A study conducted at the Krymsk Experiment Breeding Station demonstrated that optimizing planting rates and cultivation conditions at various stages of strawberry accession maintenance ensures the preservation of healthy cultivars and wild species, facilitating their use in breeding programs (Podorozhniy & Piyanina, 2022).
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
Proper harvesting techniques are crucial for maintaining fruit quality and maximizing shelf life in everbearing strawberries. Research has shown that harvesting fruits at the optimal stage of ripeness, typically when 75-90% of the fruit surface has turned red, significantly improves post-harvest quality and storage potential (Dixon, 2018). Rapid cooling of harvested fruits to temperatures between 0-2°C within 2-3 hours of picking is essential for preserving fruit quality and extending shelf life.
Optimal harvesting times
The optimal timing for harvesting everbearing strawberries typically occurs when 75-90% of the fruit surface has turned red, as this stage of ripeness significantly improves post-harvest quality and storage potential (Dixon, 2018). Rapid cooling of harvested fruits to temperatures between 0-2°C within 2-3 hours of picking is crucial for preserving fruit quality and extending shelf life.
Storage and preservation methods
Recent research has demonstrated that controlled atmosphere storage with low O2 (1-2%) and high CO2 (15-20%) concentrations can significantly extend the shelf life of strawberries by up to 14 days while maintaining fruit quality (Utami et al., 2023). Additionally, the application of edible coatings based on chitosan and ZnO nanoparticles has shown promising results in preserving strawberry freshness and reducing microbial load for up to eight days post-harvest (García-García et al., 2023).
Marketing strategies for commercial growers
Effective marketing strategies for commercial growers of everbearing strawberries include direct-to-consumer sales through farmers' markets and community-supported agriculture programs, which capitalize on the extended harvest season and consumer demand for locally grown produce. Additionally, partnering with local restaurants and specialty food retailers can create niche markets for premium, fresh-picked berries, potentially increasing profit margins compared to traditional wholesale distribution channels (Samtani et al., 2019).
Comparison with June-Bearing and Day-Neutral Strawberries
Everbearing strawberries differ from June-bearing varieties in their photoperiod sensitivity and fruiting patterns. While June-bearing strawberries produce a single large crop in early summer, everbearing cultivars exhibit a more continuous fruiting habit throughout the growing season, with peak production typically occurring in early summer and again in late summer to early fall (DeVetter et al., 2017).
Yield differences
Comparative studies have shown that everbearing strawberries typically produce lower total yields than June-bearing varieties over a single growing season, but offer more consistent fruit production throughout the year (Rivero et al., 2022). The yield distribution of everbearing cultivars is influenced by environmental factors, with moderate temperatures (15-21°C) during plant establishment resulting in more evenly distributed harvests and larger overall yields (Rivero et al., 2022).
Flavor profiles
Flavor profiles of everbearing strawberries can vary significantly among cultivars, with some varieties exhibiting a more balanced sugar-to-acid ratio compared to June-bearing types. Recent sensory evaluations have shown that certain everbearing cultivars, such as 'Albion' and 'San Andreas', consistently receive high ratings for their complex flavor profiles, characterized by a harmonious blend of sweetness and aromatic compounds.
Growing requirements
Everbearing strawberries generally require more intensive management practices compared to June-bearing varieties, particularly in terms of irrigation and fertilization. Research has shown that precision fertigation techniques, such as the use of ion-specific sensors for real-time nutrient monitoring, can significantly improve nutrient use efficiency and fruit quality in everbearing strawberry production (Teng et al., 2022). Additionally, the implementation of automated irrigation systems with soil moisture sensors has been demonstrated to optimize water use and reduce the risk of water stress in everbearing strawberry cultivation (Whitaker et al., 2009).
Economic Implications
The economic implications of everbearing strawberry cultivation extend beyond traditional production models, offering opportunities for year-round supply and market diversification. A recent economic analysis conducted by Samtani et al. (2021) revealed that everbearing strawberry production in high tunnels can yield net returns of up to $2.84 per pound, with labor costs accounting for approximately 61% of total production expenses.
Market demand for everbearing strawberries
Recent market analyses indicate that consumer demand for everbearing strawberries has been steadily increasing, driven by the desire for year-round availability of fresh, locally grown produce (Zacharaki et al., 2024). This trend has led to the expansion of urban and peri-urban strawberry production systems, including vertical farming and rooftop gardens, which capitalize on the extended fruiting period of everbearing cultivars (Gómez et al., 2019).
Cost-benefit analysis for commercial production
A comprehensive cost-benefit analysis conducted by Samtani et al. (2021) revealed that everbearing strawberry production in high tunnels can yield net returns of up to $2.84 per pound, with labor costs accounting for approximately 61% of total production expenses. This economic model underscores the potential profitability of everbearing strawberry cultivation, particularly when implemented in controlled environment agriculture systems that optimize resource use efficiency and extend the growing season.
Future Developments
Recent advancements in breeding programs have focused on developing everbearing strawberry cultivars with enhanced resistance to abiotic stresses, such as heat and drought tolerance. These efforts aim to expand the geographical range of strawberry production and improve adaptability to changing climatic conditions. Additionally, research into the application of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology shows promise for precise genetic modifications to enhance fruit quality traits and disease resistance in everbearing strawberry varieties.
Breeding programs and genetic improvements
Recent breeding programs have focused on developing everbearing strawberry cultivars with enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses and improved fruit quality traits. Notably, researchers have employed marker-assisted selection techniques to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with heat tolerance and disease resistance, facilitating the development of more resilient cultivars for diverse growing environments (Touthang, 2019).
Potential for hydroponic and vertical farming systems
Recent advancements in vertical farming systems have demonstrated the potential for significantly increased yields and resource efficiency in everbearing strawberry production. A study by Zacharaki et al. (2024) found that multi-layer hydroponic systems can achieve yields up to 10 times higher than traditional field cultivation, while reducing water consumption by up to 90% . These systems also offer precise control over environmental parameters, enabling year-round production and optimization of fruit quality traits.
Conclusion
This comprehensive review of everbearing strawberry cultivation highlights the potential for these varieties to revolutionize urban and peri-urban food production systems. Recent advancements in vertical farming technologies have demonstrated the capacity to achieve yields up to 10 times higher than traditional field cultivation while reducing water consumption by up to 90% (Zacharaki et al., 2024). Furthermore, the integration of precision monitoring systems, such as mobile robotics platforms, enables dynamic understanding of plant growth and provides data support for growth model construction and production management in commercial plant factories (Ren et al., 2023).
Summary of key points
Key points from this review include the extended harvest season of everbearing strawberries, their adaptability to diverse climates, and their potential for integration into urban farming systems. Additionally, recent advancements in breeding programs have focused on developing cultivars with enhanced stress tolerance and improved fruit quality traits, utilizing marker-assisted selection techniques to identify quantitative trait loci associated with desirable characteristics .
The future of everbearing strawberries in agriculture
The integration of everbearing strawberries into urban agriculture systems presents promising opportunities for year-round local fruit production and improved food security in densely populated areas. Recent advancements in vertical farming technologies have demonstrated the potential to achieve yields up to 10 times higher than traditional field cultivation while reducing water consumption by up to 90% (Zacharaki et al., 2024).
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