WAR AND THE STRAWBERRY
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I do not think we need attribute the general failure of the strawberry in the last few years to the War, or to lack of sugar or " degeneration." The strawberry has suffered from a virus disease, the same way that the raspberry and the potato have. This disease is believed to be transmitted by insects and it is found that by careful spraying this cause of failure can be very largely prevented.
The strawberry has probably suffered more from the motor-car than from the War, stable manure which our fathers could so liberally dispose being no longer available. There are, however, such things as leaf mould, and peat, both of which will supply the necessary vegetable matter which the strawberry so much needs.
Finally, I think the strawberry has suffered from the hoc which injures its surface root, and often thus exposes the plants to drought. Hand-weeding should always be carried out.
There are certain varieties of strawberries which show a large measure of resistance to virus disease and other troubles, and when adequately cultivated produce a crop no less good than that of pre-War days.
I am always surprised that so few gardens grow the Alpine
strawberries, which thrive under the most callous neglect, and are in flavour no less good than their mountain ancestors. Seeds sown now will produce a crop next autumn and runners sonic fruit next spring.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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