CHAPTER 1

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The strawberry (Fragraria spp.) is an growing plant that does not require a
vast area and too much fertilizer. It may be planted in a container,
polyethylene bags, and plastic pot. Strawberry are good source of nutrient
that can prevent disease particularly in cancer.
The strawberry are growing in the Philippines is a very promising, but there
is one pressing problem encountered in the industrialization of the
strawberry in the Philippines that is the lack of high yielding adapted
varieties although production technology already seems available ( Roberto
E. Coronel, et.al). The most important species in F. chiloensis as this
contains or is one of the parents of many cultivars (Roberto E. Coronel,
et.al). Varietal introduction has a played a major role in the development of
the strawberry industry in the Philippines. The first recorded trial planting of
introduced varieties was made in 1907-1908. But these varieties apparently
did not flourish as no account of their performance has been published,
between 1926-1936, The bureau of Plant Industry introduced some 26
strawberry varieties from United States and tested them for their
adaptability at the Baguio Experiment Station. Some introduced varieties
among which where “Hood River”, “Wilson”, “Missionary”, “Narcissa”,
“Clermont”, and “ Aroma”, proved adopted and were recommended for
commercial planting later, promising seedlings strains of “Wilson”,
“Missionary”, “Bellmar”, “Big Joe”, and ”Fairfax”, were identified (Roberto E.
Coronel, et.al). The common name of strawberry is claimed to be derived
from the spreading manure of which were described as “strewn” over the
ground. Strawberry is locally known as kubkubut in Igorot and fresa in
Spanish (Roberto E. Coronel, et.al).
Strawberries are produced commercially in 76 countries. China is the
largest producer and the top five producing nations also include USA,
Mexico, Turkey and Spain. Production continues to increase, particularly
in Asia, North and Central America, and North Africa with a matching
increase in demand in many parts of the world. The development of the
strawberry industry in California in the twentieth century was followed by
rapid expansion of local industries in many other parts of the world
including the Mediterranean region, Central and South America, Australia
and China. In all of these regions, it was possible to identify the areas
where a combination of short days with warm or mild temperatures made
it possible to produce high yields over a long season. Plant breeding has
had a very significant role in increasing the geographical adaptation of
strawberries. The most notable achievement has been to transform the
crop from a plant with a short season of production and a modest yield of
small, soft berries to a highly productive plant capable of cropping over a
long period with large, firm berries suitable for shipping over long
distances.
Strawberry production can be a good fit for many small scale and part-
time farming operations. The high value of strawberries creates
potential for significant profit from a small planting; however,
management of this crop is intensive and there is the likelihood of
encountering a number of production difficulties.
Most strawberries produced in the United States are consumed fresh.
Several decades ago more than 40 percent of strawberries produced in
the United States were processed, but in recent years this figure has
declined to less than 20 percent. Typically, the price received for
processing strawberries is less than half that received for fresh-market
berries. In Pennsylvania and surrounding states, nearly all strawberries
are used for fresh-market sales.
Strawberries are grown on more than 60,000 acres in the United States
today. The top fresh-market-strawberry-producing states are California
and Florida by far, with North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania
also in the top five states. The United States ranks first in the world for
strawberry production, followed by China and Spain.
Because they are so perishable, strawberries are well suited to farm
market and pick-your-own operations, where time from harvest to sale
can be kept to a minimum. Roadside stands (either your own or another
grower's) and pick-your-own operations provide opportunities to receive
relatively high prices for your strawberries, but you may have some
additional expenses for advertising, building and maintaining a facility,
and providing service to your customers. With pick-your-own
operations, you save on harvest costs, but you must also be willing to
accept some waste.
Grower-harvested berries are most commonly sold in open quart and
pint containers, such as pulp, wooden, or plastic baskets (rather than
plastic clamshells). When berries are sold through local retailers, such
as a grocery store, it may be wise to discuss preferred containers prior
to harvest. Containers like clamshells protect berries from handling by
others and may provide greater food safety, but they may also give
consumers the initial impression that berries are not locally produced.
Prominent signage indicating the origin of the produce may help to
remedy this situation.

There are problem encountered in strawberry Disease resistant strawberry

cultivars. Whenever possible, purchase only certified planting stock from a
reputable nursery as a primary defense against the introduction of viruses
and soil-borne diseases in strawberry plantings. Choose only those
varieties that are sold as resistant to leaf spot and powdery mildew foliar
disease and to soil-borne root and vascular diseases such as Verticillium
wilt and red stele diseases. Leafspot and mildew can be controlled with
fungicides if necessary, but Verticillium wilt and red stele can ruin the
planting site. Weed and grass control. Control of weeds and grasses in
strawberries is extremely important. Weeds encourage high populations of
plant bugs and other insects that can damage the fruit, promote disease
development by keeping the foliar canopy wet for long periods, and
compete strongly with the shallow-rooted strawberries for nutrients and
water. Straw Mulching. Straw mulching is necessary over the winter to
prevent strawberry plants from heaving when the soil freezes and thaws
frequently. A light straw mulch that is in place as the berries begin to ripen
will reduce contact between the fruit and soil that harbors various fungal rot
organisms. Renovation. Strawberry beds should be renovated immediately
after harvest. This practice should not be delayed until later in the season.
Renovation involves cutting back the foliar canopy, cultivating, and applying
herbicides. The benefits of renovation include the promotion of strong,
vigorous growth, production of runners and daughter plants, and reduction
in foliar diseases and sap beetle populations.

Strawberries boast a range of potential benefits to the health and can help
protect. The strawberry Fragaria, is one of the most popular berry fruits in
the world. There are more than 10 species of Fragaria that differ in flavour,
size and texture yet they all have the same characteristic heart-shaped, red
flesh and seeded coat together with small, regal, leafy green caps and
stems that adorn their crowns against a range of diseases.