Articles
THE STRAWBERRY VIRUS PROGRAM IN ISRAEL – RECENT PROGRESS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
During the past fifteen years this industry has changed in many aspects: California cultivars were replaced in about 50% of the total commercial fields by new short-day Israeli cultivars grown mainly for early winter production and export.
The traditional open field growing on raised beds has been partially replaced by walk-in constructions, thus decreasing exposure of plants to fluctuations in climatic conditions and improving working conditions for farmers.
Research on strawberry viruses was begun in the early eighties and resulted in numerous publications and research reports.
A virus indexing system based primarily on selected Fragaria indicators was established and applied to imported cultivars and advanced lines from the local breeding program.
Intensive searches for aphids indicated that the major aphid vectors of strawberry viruses are very rare.
Based on these observations we decided to focus virus testing on pre-nuclear and nuclear stock plants.
Regulations concerning strawberry propagation stock were established in Israel and made compulsory.
The potential of fresh fruit export has not yet been exhausted and can still be expanded.
However, the recent growing involvement of the private sector in breeding programs, the shortage of research funds and the low priority given to labor-intensive agriculture in developed countries are affecting research activities, a prerequisite for progress in this and other crops.
In my opinion, a change in funding strategy as well as a close cooperation among plant breeders, research scientists, plant protection services, extension service staff and growers will ensure long-term, successful strawberry growing industry in Israel.