A note on the effect of calcium alginate coating on quality of refrigerated strawberries.

peer-reviewedAn alginate-based edible coating was investigated for the preservation of the quality of strawberries during cold storage (5 °C). Strawberries were immersed, successively, in sodium alginate and calcium chloride solutions to generate a surface coating of calcium alginate. The quality of coated and non-coated strawberries was evaluated by weight loss, visible decay, titratable acidity, total soluble solids and reducing sugar concentration over a 14-day storage period. Results showed that coating with calcium alginate had no significant effects on weight loss or physicochemical parameters when compared to control fruit, but it did result in the postponement of visible decay during refrigerated storage

Companion planting to attract pollinators increases the yield and quality of strawberry fruit in gardens and allotments

1. Global pollinator declines have led to concern that crop yields might fall as a result of a pollination deficit. Companion planting is a traditional practice thought to increase yield of insect pollinated crops by planting a co-flowering species next to the crop. 2. Using a combination of conventional researcher-led experiments and observational citizen scientist data, we tested the effectiveness of bee-friendly borage (Borago officinalis) as a companion plant to strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). Insect visitors to the ‘Test’ (strawberry + borage) versus ‘Control’ (strawberry only) plants were observed, and strawberry fruit collected. Strawberries collected during the researcher-led experiment were also subject to fruit measurements and assessments of market quality. 3. Companion plants were found to significantly increase both yield and market quality of strawberries, suggesting an increase in insect pollination per plant. Test strawberries companion planted with borage produced an average of 35% more fruits, and 32% increased yield by weight. Test strawberry plants produced significantly more fruit of higher aesthetic quality when assessed by Marketing Standards for Strawberries. 4. Although there was no significant difference in the overall insect visits, when broken down by broad insect group there were significantly more flies visiting the test strawberries than controls. 5. These results could have implications for both gardeners and commercial growers. As consumers prefer a cosmetically perfect fruit, the production of fruit with increased aesthetics aids food waste reduction

First record of Colletotrichum acutatum on strawberry in Malta

Disease note describing the first record of Colletotrichum acutatum on strawberries in Malta.peer-reviewe

REDUCING TRANSPORTATION DAMAGE TO GRAPES AND STRAWBERRIES

In-transit vibration damage to grapes and strawberries results in reduced quality for the consumer and reduced profits for the produce industry. To solve this problem, the first step is to determine which vibrational frequencies are causing the damage. In various tests, grapes and strawberries were subjected to different frequencies at constant force levels. The effects of the vibration treatments were evaluated on the basis of grading, color analysis, firmness, respiration rate and ethylene production rate. The critical frequency was found to lie between 7.5 and 10 Hertz for both commodities. Color change and respiration rate were shown to be good indicators of damage in grapes. Strawberries did not show a significant effect due to color. Firmness was not affected by vibration in either commodity.Agribusiness,

TERMINAL MARKET WINDOWS FOR MISSISSIPPI SMALL-FARM VEGETABLE PRODUCERS

This study investigated various marketing strategies involving market windows at wholesale fruit and vegetable terminal markets. Data used in the analysis included weekly prices for okra, sweet corn, strawberries, and green cabbage at terminal markets located in Dallas, St. Louis, Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, and Detroit. Strawberries showed relatively high profit margins for small farmers operating in southwest Mississippi. Sweet corn and okra showed more narrow profit margins, while green cabbage appeared to yield negative net returns (generally) for these farmers. Furthermore, stochastic dominance analysis of various combinations of crop/market/window revealed the following as the preferred marketing strategies: (1) strawberries in all markets in the last third of the calendar year; (2) sweet corn in all six markets in the first third of the calendar year; and (3) okra in St. Louis and Cincinnati in the first third of the calendar year.Agribusiness,

Organic production of strawberries

Organic fruit and vegetable growing is increasing world-wide, but knowledge concerning best practice is generally empirical rather than field-based. This thesis extends knowledge concerning best practice in Swedish organic strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa (Duch)) production, which is usually based on a two-year crop. A series of four field experiments were conducted at Rånna Experimental Station (58°27’N, 13°51’E) on the strawberry cultivars ‘Honeoye’, ‘Cavendish’ and ‘Korona’. Specific objectives were to investigate: the effects of different organic fertilisers combined with degradable plastic mulch on plant establishment, yield and nitrogen mineralisation in soil; the efficiency of biological pest control using a predatory mite against strawberry mites (Phytonemus pallidus); innate within-field dispersal capacity of strawberry mite; the effects of pyrethrum combined with fleece covering on damage by strawberry blossom weevil (Anthonomus rubi). Plant establishment measured as fruit yield was improved by 60% when degradable plastic mulch was used, probably through more flowers being initiated. Additional applications of organic fertiliser during the cropping period had little effect on yield. Biological control using the predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris reduced strawberry mite populations by up to 50% but there was no increase in yield. It was difficult to draw clear conclusions from the strawberry mite dispersal pilot study, but mites tended to move more easily along planted rows than between rows. Pyrethrum alone had no visible effect on flower bud damage by strawberry blossom weevil but when combined with fleece covering it reduced the number of ‘Honeoye’ buds damaged by weevils by approximately 10%. This was followed by a corresponding increase in cultivar yield. Similar effects were not recorded in the other cultivar examined. The study identified the following practical consequences for organic strawberry production: • Choice of pest-resistant cultivars is extremely important for success. • Use of clean plants and an efficient predatory species is essential in controlling mite infestations. • Use of degradable plastic mulching is recommended. • Fleece covering is recommended for protecting some cultivars against strawberry blossom weevils. • Only an initial starter fertilisation is required. • Use of pyrethrum is not recommended

Reduced copper treatments in strawberries by cultural methods

Effect of cultural methods on leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae Tul.) and yield in strawberries. The possibilities of reduction of copper input in organic strawberry crops is explored

Effect of the Strawberry Genotype, Cultivation and Processing on the Fra a 1 Allergen Content

Birch pollen allergic patients show cross-reactivity to vegetables and fruits, including strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa). The objective of this study was to quantify the level of the Fra a 1 protein, a Bet v 1-homologous protein in strawberry fruits by a newly developed ELISA, and determine the effect of genotype, cultivation and food processing on the allergen amount. An indirect competitive ELISA using a specific polyclonal anti-Fra a 1.02 antibody was established and revealed high variability in Fra a 1 levels within 20 different genotypes ranging from 0.67 to 3.97 μg/g fresh weight. Mature fruits of red-, white- and yellow-fruited strawberry cultivars showed similar Fra a 1 concentrations. Compared to fresh strawberries, oven and solar-dried fruits contained slightly lower levels due to thermal treatment during processing. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis demonstrated degradation of recombinant Fra a 1.02 after prolonged (>10 min) thermal treatment at 99 ◦ C. In conclusion, the genotype strongly determined the Fra a 1 quantity in strawberries and the color of the mature fruits does not relate to the amount of the PR10-protein. Cultivation conditions (organic and conventional farming) do not affect the Fra a 1 level, and seasonal effects were minor