Vol. 124 (2011): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Vegetable

Effects of Cell Size on the Production of Containerized Strawberry Transplants in Florida

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  • Pei-Wen Huang,
  • Bielinski M Santos,
  • Vance M Whitaker
Pei-Wen Huang
University of Florida, IFAS, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 14625 CR 672, Wimauma, FL 33598
Bielinski M Santos
University of Florida, IFAS, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 14625 CR 672, Wimauma, FL 33598
Vance M Whitaker
University of Florida, IFAS, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 14625 CR 672, Wimauma, FL 33598

Published 2011-12-01

Keywords

  • Fragaria ×ananassa,
  • plug transplants,
  • flower initiation,
  • plant establishment.

Abstract

Containerized transplants could be an alternative to bare root transplants to save 80% of water use during strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassaDuch.) establishment, whereas their price is double compared to bare root transplants mainly due to shipping. Daughter plants of ‘Strawberry Festival’ cultivar were planted into plug trays with 36, 40, 50, and 72 cells per tray. After field establishment, plants planted in 72-cell trays had smaller crown size and plant diameter than those in 36-cell trays. Early fruit weight from plants planted in 36-cell trays was similar to those in 40 and 50-cell trays, but 43% more than those in 72-cell trays. Similar total fruit number and yield were produced from plants planted in trays with 36, 40, and 50 cells, but they were at least 17% and 18% higher, respectively, than those from plants grown in trays with 72 cells.

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