ABSTRACT
The phenomenal increase in area and production of strawberry in the world has largely been due to the availability of high-yielding and pest- and disease-resistant cultivars. Varied quality, size, colour and flavour of fruits have further helped in its enhanced popularity among general population. Diversified uses of fruits, especially in processed products and confectionery, have helped in making strawberry a choice and most sought-after fruit in the market. All these factors put together contribute to the economic importance of strawberry both at local and international level, and as such, the yield and quality of fruits is a driving force in its economics vis-à-vis cultivation and marketing of strawberries. The performance of different cultivars with respect to yield and quality of fruits in different parts of world varies with soil, prevailing climatic conditions in the region and cultural management practices adopted. The significant effects of interaction of genotypes and environment on yield per plant, fruit weight (Pradeepkumar et al., 2002) and quality of fruits are well established. The impact of climatic conditions on strawberry productivity in future will depend on relative changes in temperature, precipitation and UV-B radiation, and the sensitivity of different varieties to all these environmental factors singly or in various combinations.
