The study looks at red, black, white, brown, green, clear and reflective silver plastic mulches. New Pest Concerns Valley Strawberry Growers June beetle grubs have been found munching on strawberry plant roots and severely stunting plant growth on three Fresno County strawberry farms. In November 1997, Clovis farmer Ricky Cha first discovered the white insect larva and called the University of California Cooperative Extension for assistance. Adults will be collected this summer for identification. Soil fumigation before planting will control the pest, however the expensive procedure is typically only applied every two to three years to save money.
Soil solarization is a less expensive alternative that is also effective.
Chandler Variety Recent research suggests that the currently favored strawberry variety, Chandler, isn't ready to be dethroned. In Merced County, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Maxwell Norton compared Chandler to Camarosa, Carlsbad and Gaviota varieties. Although 1998 was not considered a typical year because of its cool spring weather, Chandler, developed by UC and considered the premium variety because of its quality and flavor intensity, lived up to its reputation. If this trial is a true indication of cultivar performance, Gaviota does not demonstrate much potential for this region. Carlsbad's mediocre performance also does not earn it a recommendation for Central Valley planting.