Poor pollination. Lygus bugs are one of the causes of irregularly shaped, cat-faced strawberries; another cause may be poor pollination, which results in small undeveloped seeds. Misshapen strawberries are quite common. Although raspberry flowers are self pollinating, bee activity is still responsible for 90-95% of pollination. The first reason is the most likely and has to do with lack of pollination. However, the most common cause is a lack of pollinators, such as domestic and wild bees, during the flowering period. Small seedy fruit and uneven growth are symptoms of poor pollination. The same grower who sent the photo in Fig. More information: Chapter 7 Small Fruits and Brambles: Strawberry Pollination (pages 679-688 in: USDA Insect Pollination of … There are three reasons for deformity in strawberries with a possible fourth put forward for discussion: Poor pollination. Strawberries that are lobed, especially seedy and juiceless on one section, and lopsided are likely improperly pollinated. Strawberries can form misshapen fruits if inadequate pollination occurs. Deformed berries are often due to poor pollination. Poor pollination. Bees are the best pollinators of strawberries, so encourage them to take up residence in your yard. But, yes, there is no doubt a reason for misshapen strawberries like these. Poor pollination may have contributed to low set in some locations. However, the most common cause is a lack of pollinators, such as domestic and wild bees, during the flowering period. Most commonly, misshapen strawberries during spring result from poor pollination. Poorly pollinated berries tend to be small with a rough, dimpled, seedy appearance similar to that of boron deficiency. Periods of cool rainy weather were common in early May during the early bloom period. Poor pollination is often very common in the first picking of spring fruiting strawberries in the southeast, when weather is often less suitable to bee activity. Cold temperatures, rainy and windy weather can slow bee activity, so you might not get as many pollinations if the flowers are blooming at an inopportune time. 4. 3, had a question about lygus injury. Lygus bugs damage fruit by puncturing individual seeds; this, in turn, stops development of the berry in the area surrounding the feeding site. Hand pollinate with a paintbrush if needed. But, yes, there is no doubt a reason for misshapen strawberries like these. Although raspberry flowers are self pollinating, bee activity is still responsible for 90-95% of pollination. Also the more plants you have, the better the chances of pollination and a prolific harvest. The first reason is the most likely and has to do with lack of pollination. There are many causes of poor formation and misshaping of raspberry fruit, including bad weather, genetics or viruses. This is also discussed in Dr. Burrack’s blog: “ Lygus feeding does result in variable seed size and can, therefore, be distinguished from poor pollination in strawberries.” (Fig. Lygus feeding results in variable seed size This could be caused by poor pollination or even very windy conditions as fruit set occurs. A minimum of ten plants is good, but twenty will be better. There are three reasons for deformity in strawberries with a possible fourth put forward for discussion: Poor pollination. Strawberries are aggregate fruits. 4) Fig. There are many causes of poor formation and misshaping of raspberry fruit, including bad weather, genetics or viruses. They have multiple ovules per receptacle where the fruit is formed. 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