TITLE:
Strawberry (Fragaria spp.): Cultivation, Production, Consumption, and Marketing in Cameroon
AUTHORS:
Djeuani Astride Carole, Moutamal Djem Rose Theophine Derricka, Mbouobda Hermann Désiré, Abdoulaye Souaibou, Meliga Essimi Célestine, Bouopda Nono Joël, Anafack Donasson Dioril, Messouang Bernard Didier, Ndongo III Boris Charlen, Kaffo Emmanuel, Kamga Fossouo Anselme Xavier, Tiki Antoine Marie Kevin, Nyimiebolo Bengono Audrey Maguy, Manuela Diobe Motassy, Adounga Samuel Brice, Amama Amama Benjamin, Nshanji Jones, Panguepko Fendju Christophe, Nzie Oussena, Nguetrapouna Issofa, Mpon Ikoyin Linda, NKouéya Christelle Ladone, Amang Amang A. Ziem, Niemenak Nicolas
KEYWORDS:
Fragaria spp., Cultivation Technique, Attack of Pathogens, Annual Production, Cameroon
JOURNAL NAME:
Agricultural Sciences,
Vol.15 No.4,
April
30,
2024
ABSTRACT: Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is one of the most important fruits classified as exotic fruits imported into Cameroon. To have an inventory of its cultivation in Cameroon, a survey study was carried out among eight farms of Fragaria spp. from January 2021 to February 2022. The plant was introduced in Cameroon in 2018. There are 13 varieties of Fragaria spp. currently cultivated. Among these 13 varieties, eleven are hybrids of Fragaria x ananassa (“Amiga”, “Amine”, “Camarosa”, “Chandler”, “Charlotte”, “Elsanta”, “Gariguette”, “Madame Moutot”, “Ostara”, “Ruby gem” and “San Andreas”), and two of the hybrids of Fragaria vesca (“Maestro” and “Mara des bois”). The cropping system, irrigation system, and type of fertilizers applied differ from one strawberry farm to another. Biofertilizers (such as mycorrhizal), inorganic and organic fertilizers are actually used to improve production. The potential annual production of strawberries from January 2021 to February 2022, estimated based on the survey data, was 21.216 tons for all growers. Among these eight production farms, the Lolodorf BIO Farm presents 6000 kg (six tons) of strawberries and 100,000 stolons (seedlings) produced, from seven varieties of Fragaria spp. cultivated, with 6 varieties which are hybrids variety Fragaria x ananassa (“Amiga”, “Amine”, “Chandler”, “Gariguette”, “Madame Moutot”, and “Ruby gem”), and one which is a hybrid of Fragaria vesca (“Mara des bois”). Certain diseases were also observed and recorded depending on the growing areas.