Samples of these varieties will be planted in a greenhouse in all elevations to determine how these respond to various climatic conditions in the province, Fongwan said. La Trinidad, Atok and Mankayan are chosen as areas for the trial.
Strawberry growing at present is done in open fields, making the supply unavailable during rainy months. The greenhouse varieties are expected to address this concern and make the supply available all year-round.
The peak months of strawberry production are from February to April.
La Trinidad remains the major producer of strawberries in the Cordillera and in the country. About 35 percent of the farming population in the town is engaged in strawberry growing, based on records from the Municipal Agriculture Office.
The last time the local government imported varieties from California was in 2005.
Strawberry planting materials need to be replaced every two to three years to ensure better productivity.
Strawberry production in the town is concentrated in Barangays Pico, Poblacion, Puguis and Betag. (JC)
