Climate favors strawberry cultivation in Rio Grande do Sul.

The weather conditions of the last few weeks have favored the development of strawberry crops in Rio Grande do Sul. According to Emater/RS, mild temperatures and a high temperature range have stimulated flowering in different regions of the state. This situation points to increased production in the coming weeks, during the peak season, which runs until April.

However, crop management keeps producers on alert. In the administrative region of Caxias do Sul, concern is growing regarding the control of... spotted wingfly, Drosophila suzukii.

In Nova Petrópolis, the low rainfall and mild nighttime temperatures favored flowering. Some producers are carrying out drastic pruning to renew the plants, a practice that stimulates new productive cycles.

In Canela, planting has begun using seedlings from Segovia, Spain. Plants that are one or two years old maintain adequate flowering and fruiting for the summer, the period of greatest harvest volume. Interest in systems with nutrient solution recirculation is also growing. New production units are already being built with this technology.

In the Pelotas region, short-day cultivars have completed their production cycle. Day-neutral varieties reduced production due to the intense heat, which inhibits flowering. Producers carried out pruning to improve sanitary conditions and open a new cycle. The areas are entering the initial flowering phase, with harvesting expected between the end of March and April. Even with lower supply, the market is still receiving smaller-sized fruits.

In Soledade, mild temperatures and a high temperature range, considered atypical for the period, also boosted floral production and reinforced expectations of increased blooms.