Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the misconceptions surrounding the use of growth regulators in strawberry cultivation, addressing consumer concerns about large strawberries and pesticide residues. Group 1: Misconceptions about Growth Regulators - There are claims on social media that large strawberries are treated with growth regulators, referred to as "膨大剂" [1] - Experts clarify that growth regulators are registered agricultural chemicals that can be used under specific standards, but strawberry growers typically do not use them [1][2] - The use of growth regulators can negatively impact the root system and subsequent fruit yield, leading to potential losses for farmers [2] Group 2: Factors Influencing Strawberry Size and Quality - Strawberry size can be enhanced through selective breeding and practices like thinning flowers and fruits, which results in larger and higher-quality strawberries [2] - The appearance of deformed strawberries is often due to environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations and uneven pollination, rather than the use of growth regulators [3] Group 3: Safety and Pesticide Residues - The notion that strawberries have the highest pesticide residue levels is unfounded, as testing shows high safety compliance rates for strawberry products [3][4] - In regions like Jiangsu, 100% of strawberry samples tested were found to be safe, indicating effective management of pesticide use [3] - Pesticide application is minimal during the flowering and fruiting stages, ensuring that residues are within safe limits by the time of harvest [4]