Soft fruit cultivation involves numerous details that significantly impact overall production, as emphasized by Jasen Zhang from Naltsen, who is an expert on the use of truss support tape in strawberry cultivation. He shares important details on the installation and efficient use.
According to Jasen, the proper application involves ensuring that the strawberry truss passes through the top of the truss tape, as depicted in the image. "The truss of the strawberry is supposed to go through the top of the truss tape. The truss of flower and green fruit is supposed to go through between truss tape and leaf wire", he says. "Then fruit will droop naturally, and loading on truss tape during harvest time is the right way to support and protect soft strawberries."
Conversely, improper placement, where berries grow underneath the truss tape, can lead to stem kinking, impeding the flow of water and nutrients to the berries. "So the berries should go over the top of the tape to support berries and support the berry truss. Thus, positioning the berries over the tape ensures proper support and promotes the neat alignment of ripe berries, facilitating ease of harvesting and enhancing labor and cost efficiency."
Truss tape supports the stem of fruit and flower away from the pot, reducing the burn and damage from the edge of the pot and allowing more air and sunshine to go through and in. "Check it regularly, tighten the truss tape if it is found to be loose on the end bracket, and replace it with new tape if it is broken. "
Upkeep the truss tape
Jasen advises a thorough cleaning regimen for the truss tape at the end of each season to prolong its lifespan. "Use a wet and soft curtain to clamp the tape and clean it up twice a year to remove debris and pesticide residues. This only maintains cleanliness but also enhances light reflection onto the fruit surface, contributing to overall fruit quality and yield."
For more information: 
Jasen Zhang
Hebei Naltsen Trading Co., Ltd.
Tel.: +86 18617576096
E-mail: jasen@naltsen.com