Strawberry root growth and architecture in relation to organic residues and replanting problems.

This chapter focuses on strawberry root growth and architecture, discussing apical dominance, lateral root formation and allelopathic sensitivity. An architectural model of strawberry root growth is presented, showing that, if temperature and water availability are at optimal levels, the proliferation of roots in favourable soil patches is rapid, as is the depletion of nutrients and the accumulation of allelochemicals. The strawberry root during the growth cycle and production is described, focusing on stolon and runner relationships with the mother plant and tray plant growth, as well as root-shoot interaction and plant collapse. The ambivalent relationship of strawberry with organic residues is discussed and some strategies to overcome replanting problems are shown. Pointers on how to improve soil quality are also given.