6_3_rec_soft_fruits

Adapt a cropping system that minimises the need for pesticide input, for example the plant density, cultivation system to the cultivar, soil and climate.

Excessive growth should be controlled by cultural measures, incorporating precision fertiliser and irrigation supply, pruning and encouraging an optimal fruit set. Pruning can also be a preventive method against pests and diseases.

The flowers of soft fruits are usually self-fertile. However, entomophilous pollination increases fruit set, fruit quality and production. Where native pollinators are insufficient, local honeybees and/or native bumble bees should be introduced to ensure adequate pollination.

Ridge cultivation lowers the risk of infection with root rots and should be preferred in strawberries as well as in raspberries, especially on heavy soils.

Soft fruit plantations protected under polythene clad tunnels mitigate some pest and disease problems.

Protecting soft fruit crops with tunnels can create a microclimate suitable to other pests and diseases (e.g. Tetranychus urticae, Botrytis cinerea, powdery mildew).