Cold temperatures delay strawberry crop

Field reports indicate that the harvesting of the strawberry crop in the Rochester region will likely be delayed by at least seven to 10 days due to the abnormally cold temperatures that the region received during the month of May, according to Bob King of the Monroe County Cornell Cooperative Extension. Strawberry growers have reported a total of 10 separate incidents of critical cold temperatures. Damage to the strawberry crop has been estimated to be as much as 20 percent where control measure have been applied and at least 50 percent or more where frost controls were not utilized.

Because of the colder temperatures, strawberry plant growth has been held back by at least seven to 10 days depending on the farm location and the type of variety (early, mid, full). The season will be opening later than normal and the earliest and consistent picking of the crop will be around June 15. The colder temperatures have created a positive impact on strawberry plants by increasing the length of their blooming period so that improved pollination and fruit is likely to occur, King said. In addition, colder temperatures have significantly reduced incidents of disease and insect pests such as tarnished plant bug and bud clippers that can adversely impact both the yield and quality of the crop.

Cooperative Extension experts expect the strawberry season to get off to a late start and the season to be shorter than usual, especially if normal weather patterns occur during June and July.