Final answer:
Asexual reproduction by runners provides fast growth of new plants that are identical to the parent. The central plant may face resource competition with its offspring, and genetic diversity is limited.
Step-by-step explanation:
Strawberry plants can reproduce asexually by sending out runners, which are horizontal stems known as stolons that run over the ground surface. These runners have nodes where adventitious roots and buds form, allowing new plants to grow. The advantage of this method is a fast and sturdy new plant that is genetically identical to the parent, providing reliable reproduction in stable environments.
However, the disadvantage for the central plant is that it may have to compete with its offspring for resources such as nutrients, water, and sunlight. Furthermore, this method results in no genetic diversity, which may be a drawback if the environmental conditions change.