Strawberry, the bright color, sweet taste of the fruit, deeply loved by people. However, pollen can sometimes cause problems during the growth of strawberry plants. Too much pollen may affect photosynthesis, respiration and beauty of strawberry plants, so it is necessary to master effective methods to remove pollen from strawberry plants.
Characteristics And Effects Of Strawberry Pollen
Strawberry pollen is small and light, powdery, and the color is mostly light yellow. During the flowering and pollination of strawberries, pollen will be widely dispersed in flowers, leaves and the surrounding environment. Appropriate amount of pollen is conducive to pollination and fertilization of strawberries, which is the basis of normal fruit development. But problems can arise when too much pollen accumulates.
A large amount of pollen attached to the surface of the leaves will hinder the photosynthesis of the leaves and reduce the synthesis and accumulation of photosynthetic products. The leaves are unable to fully absorb the energy in the sun, resulting in slower plant growth, and the leaves gradually lose luster and become dull.
At the same time, pollen accumulation may also affect the respiration of the plant, making the gas exchange poor, as if the “respiratory system” of the plant is covered with a layer of gauze, further weakening the vitality of the plant.
From an aesthetic point of view, too much pollen can make strawberry plants look dirty, especially for strawberry plantations used for viewing or picking experiences, reducing their overall viewing value and visitor interest in picking.
Physical Removal Methods
1. Water rinse
This is a simple and commonly used method. Using a watering can or a small sprayer, evenly spray water over the strawberry plant, focusing on areas of flowers and leaves where pollen has accumulated. The impact of the water can peel the pollen off the surface of the plant and carry it away with the current. When operating, pay attention to the water pressure should not be too large, so as not to damage the flowers and leaves of the plant.
In general, it is more appropriate to choose water spraying in the morning or evening, when the temperature is relatively low and the water evaporation is slow, which can reduce the stress on the plant. For example, in a small family strawberry planting pot, it is found that there is a lot of pollen, and it can be washed with a gentle water spray every 2-3 days, and after several operations, the amount of pollen will be significantly reduced.
2. Brush cleaning
For some pollen that is more stubborn and not easy to be washed away by water, brush cleaning can be used. Choose a soft brush, such as a wool brush or a makeup brush, and gently brush the surface of the flowers and leaves of the strawberry plant to paint off the flowers. In the process of brushing, the action should be gentle and careful to avoid damaging the plant tissue.
This method is suitable for situations where pollen is not particularly large and the distribution is more concentrated. For example, when pollen accumulation in local areas of strawberry pot is serious, carefully cleaning the area with a brush can effectively remove pollen and will not cause greater interference to the plant.
Chemical Auxiliary Aethods
1. Use pollen inhibitors
During strawberry cultivation, some pollen inhibitors can be used to reduce the production and spread of pollen. These inhibitors often contain chemicals that can interfere with pollen development or release. When using, dilute and spray in strict accordance with the dosage and use method on the product manual.
For example, certain pollen inhibitors sprayed about a week before the strawberry blooms can effectively inhibit pollen formation, thereby reducing subsequent pollen scattering and accumulation. However, it should be noted that the use of chemical inhibitors may have a certain effect on the pollination of strawberries, if it is used for the production of fruit strawberry plants, it is necessary to carefully weigh the timing and dosage of use to avoid affecting the yield and quality of the fruit.
2. Combined with fungicide treatment
Sometimes, pollen accumulation may cause some diseases, such as mildew and so on. At the same time as removing pollen, it can be treated with fungicides. Select suitable fungicides, such as carbendazim, chlorothalonil, etc., prepare the liquid according to the prescribed concentration, and spray the plants after removing the pollen. This can not only remove pollen, but also prevent the occurrence of diseases caused by pollen accumulation.
For example, in strawberry greenhouse planting, if more pollen is found and there are signs of mildew, you can first use water rinse or brush cleaning to remove most of the pollen, and then spray an appropriate amount of carbendazam fungicide, which can not only keep the plant healthy, but also reduce the adverse effects of pollen.
Biological Regulation Methods
1. The use of insect assistance
Some insects naturally touch and remove pollen from strawberry plants during their activities. For example, when bees collect strawberry nectar, they will shuttle between flowers, and the surface of their bodies will be attached to pollen, so as to play a certain role in pollen transmission and cleaning. By placing beehives in strawberry planting areas reasonably, bees can be attracted to come to the activity, which can promote pollination of strawberries and reduce the excessive accumulation of pollen to a certain extent. But care should be taken to control the number and range of bees to avoid excessive disturbance or other problems to the strawberry plant.
2. Microbial decomposition
Certain microorganisms have the ability to break down pollen. There are some natural microbial communities in the soil or on the surface of strawberry plants. You can promote the decomposition of pollen by microorganisms by adding some beneficial microbial bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, yeast, etc.
In the process of growth and reproduction, these microorganisms will use the nutrients in the pollen to carry out metabolic activities, so as to gradually decompose the pollen. For example, the regular application of a bactericide containing Bacillus subtilis in the soil of a strawberry planting bed can effectively decompose the pollen that falls on the soil surface and reduce the accumulation of pollen around the plant as the number of microorganisms increases and their activity increases.
Conclusion
In the way of getting along with strawberry plant pollen, we have explored many effective methods and strategies. Whether it is the direct cleaning of physical means, the precise intervention of chemical assistance, or the clever use of biological regulation, all aim to create a more healthy and suitable growth environment for strawberry plants.
When we carefully care for strawberry plants and skillfully deal with pollen troubles, what we harvest is not only luxuriant plants and rich fruits, but also a deep understanding and respect for agricultural planting art. Each full and attractive strawberry embodies our wisdom and efforts on the road of pollen management, and becomes the sweet crystallization of the collaboration between nature and human ingenuity. Let us continue to uphold this patience and perseverance, in the journey of strawberry planting, continue to write a moving chapter of green, harvest and beauty, so that the sweet strawberry will always permeate our lives, and become an unforgettable taste bud memory and pastoral scenery in the long river of years.
