Fraisimotte®:: A strawberry plug plant developed by CIREF in France

Plantations of bare-rooted fresh-dug strawberry plants in southwestern France are early producing and of good quality though yields are inadequate. In addition there are serious difficulties associated with establishment following planting. In contrast to fresh-dug plants, frigo-plants give superior yields though the physiological quality of the plant may be a problem (e.g. as a result of cold storage). To resolve these problems CIREF has developed a technique of production of plug-plants from unrooted runners cuttings produced in soiless culture. The results obtained with this plant type indicate an improved establishment. Though the production cost of plug-plants is greater than for other types. French growers are willing to meet the extra cost in return for a lower establishment risk. CIREF would like to develop this production technique under the trademark "Fraisimotte".