It is not only humans who are attracted to crimson, juicy and aromatic strawberries. Birds, insects, small animals and even pests are tempted to grab a mouthful of the delicious fruit.

The strawberry plant is also susceptible to changes in weather or gardening routine as well as fungal infections and plant diseases, which can hinder its growth in different phases of its life cycle. However, timely tweaks to our gardening practices can go a long way in saving the plant and ensuring a juicy harvest.

Insects, bees and butterflies act as support staff during the flowering phase, ensuring self-pollination of the white strawberry flower. However, during the fruiting phase, it is important to ensure that such pollinators don’t damage the plant, particularly during phases when the fruit is maturing and ripening. It is not advisable to kill these pollinators, as it could disturb the environmental balance. Instead, gardeners should opt for protecting their plants by using a net.

Similarly, small rodents and birds pecking at the fruits is a common nuisance for a gardener. Usually, such attacks occur due to the rodents or birds being either thirsty or hungry.........

© Dawn (Magazines)