Abstract: The effects of low black polyethylene tunnels on the performance of 35 strawberry cultivars were investigated at Shimla, India, during 1996-98. Covering beds with black polyethylene hastened flowering by approximately 1 month, prevented soil erosion, reduced weed growth and winter injury, and increased total yields by 20%. Weeding was not required in mulched beds. During summers, the replacement of plastic sheets with anti-hail or anti-bird nets increased the yields and improved fruit quality. Variation in cultivar performance was also observed. Under uncovered conditions, Shimla Delicious gave the highest number of fruits per plant (30) while Etna and Belrubi the highest yield per plant (243.80 and 213.20 q/ha).
