Why strawberry farmers are advised to buy runners for planting

Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) has advised farmers to start buying strawberries runners rather than splits for planting from certified nurseries.

This is after most farmers venturing in strawberry farming and using splits reported losses during harvest. 

The organisation suggests that runners can achieve a 100 per cent germination rate and still grow into healthy plants.

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“We have realised that most farmers buy their seedling from unauthorised dealers who sell splits at a low price since they are readily available, ignoring runners which germinate well and have vigorous growth rate,” said KALRO’s Antony Nyaga.

Runners are generated by existing strawberry plants. The very long stems that spread and their roots form new plants.

 Splits are achieved when a strawberry plant is lifted from the soil and broken into parts.

Here are a few advantages strawberries runners have over strawberry splits.

Complete germination

Runners can achieve a 100 per cent germination rate compared to splits that may produce weak plants.

Fast growth

Apart from complete germination, runners from certified nurseries develop new runners from the main plant within three weeks to one month. It's an economical way to increase the plants on your farm due to their ability to develop new runners faster. It is a great opportunity for farmers looking forward to venturing in strawberry farming within a short time.

Availability

Their fast growth rate makes them available especially when you need to expand your farm size.

High production rate

Runners are estimated to produce large and desirable fruits within two months. A single well planted and maintained strawberry runner can grow into a plant that will yield a kilo of fruits per year.

Farmers should be very keen while buying planting runners as some unlicensed propagators can sell them at low prices that can lead to huge loses.