The cultivation of strawberries needs to be more sustainable. That's why Wageningen University & Research, BU Greenhouse Horticulture started its search for a new cultivation system back in 2017, based on four pillars: hygiene, robust varieties, crop protection, and cultivation conditions. WUR is currently investigating whether tissue culture is a good alternative to cuttings. Researcher Sanae Mouden: "An exciting study. Perhaps tissue culture can make strawberry cultivation even more sustainable."
There are many possible measures to make strawberry cultivation more sustainable. One example is the use of renewable substrates, currently being investigated by WUR. In the propagation and cultivation of strawberries, mainly peat-based substrates are still being used. Alternatives such as rock wool exist, but this means that the cultivation process needs to be optimized.
The research explores how the different components of such an integrated cultivation system are interacting. WUR is examining not only the impact of renewable substrates during the propagation phase on growth but also on above-ground resilience (i.e., to what extent the plant is resistant to diseases and pests).
Propagation phase is crucial
The potential components of a new cultivation system fall under four pillars: hygiene (i.e., clean cultivation), genetics (such as resilient varieties), crop protection (the use of, for example, natural predators), and cultivation conditions (such as the substrate used). Mouden: "Actually, there should be a fifth pillar: 'environmental sustainability,' which means caring for the surroundings of the cultivation."
The propagation of strawberry cultivation is crucial in this research, Mouden explains. A prerequisite for sustainable cultivation is a clean start. Strawberry growers use cuttings in their cultivation, and there's always a risk that these may be contaminated with disease or pests. An alternative is the use of seeds. However, there are currently few commercial varieties available.
Tissue culture as an alternative
That's why WUR is investigating whether tissue culture is a suitable alternative. In tissue culture, a small piece of plant tissue is cut and placed on a growth medium (agar). The first results of the tissue culture study will be available soon.
The research is funded by Topsector Tuinbouw & Uitgangsmaterialen, Stichting Aardbei Onderzoek, Koppert, Meteor Systems, Eurofins, TMRW Impact, The Greenery, Sapropel, Viscon, Biobest, and Biota Nutri.