Strawberry Research Netafim

Strawberry Research & Development in Western Negev Region, Israel
Thanks to S. Cohen, H. Yehezkel, D. Shmuel, E. Matan and M. Dinar who contributed to this article.

Background
The Southern R&DCenter in Israel specializes in greenhouse crops and serves as the Israeli center for greenhouse research and development. The center aids in seeking agricultural income resources for farmers in theNegev region. Strawberries are a common winter crop and a significant agricultural product in Israel representing a key source of income to many farmers. Most strawberry growth is concentrated incentral Israel where they are grown in low polyethylene covered tunnels. The aim of the present R&D study was to develop novel methods to grow strawberries in greenhouses in the western Negev region, whichis characterized by unique climate conditions in the winter (relatively high radiation and high temperatures in comparison to other regions in Israel). Research Goals • • • • • Increase strawberryyields per area unit Centralize strawberry crop at peak season of export-marketing prices Produce a top quality product Create conducive working conditions Reduce the use of disinfesting compoundsResearch Targets (Experimental Process) • • • • • • Plant preparation Growth medium Plant containers Timing of planting Selecting the appropriate varieties Planting stands and configuration of the plantsin the greenhouse

Plant Preparation Plant development and yield greatly depend on plant quality and therefore it is essential that plants be disease-free and in optimal physiological condition.The selected growth method was based on growing mother plants in containers with the growth medium on elevated beds. Mother plant shoots grown in the medium

developed air shoots that never touchedthe soil. Buds that developed on the shoots were detached about a month prior to planting in the production greenhouse and planted in printed trays containing growth medium. Buds tend to root rapidly...