Estonian strawberry Helean & strawberry-blossom weevil

The Estonian strawberry cultivar Helean (Fragaria × ananassa ‘Helean’) was bred by Johannes Parksepp in Polli. It is a mid-early variety with large or medium-sized, glossy orange-red fruits that have a sweet-and-sour flavor. The bush is medium-sized with bluish-green leaves and produces a moderate number of daughter plants. “Helean” is winter-hardy, moderately productive, and fairly resistant to grey mould, but requires attention to growing conditions, preferring sheltered locations and heavier soils. The strawberry-blossom weevil (Anthonomus rubi) is a small insect and a common pest in Estonian strawberry cultivation. Adult weevils feed on flower petals, causing flower wilting, and lay their eggs in young flowers. The larvae develop inside the flowers and young fruits, consuming them from within, which leads to early fruit drop and reduced yield. This pest weakens plants, reduces flowering and fruit quality, and can significantly lower productivity, especially under intensive cultivation or warmer growing periods. Regular monitoring, timely pest control, and proper growing conditions are essential to manage its spread.