Vol. 123 (2010): Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society
Vegetable

Improving Irrigation Management for Strawberry Establishment in West-central Florida

PDF
  • Bielinski M. Santos,
  • Teresa P. Salame-Donoso,
  • Alicia J. Whidden,
  • Maricruz Ramírez-Sánchez
Photos: Florida contains over half the wild orchid species found in the United States, at roughly 100 species. The endangered Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) makes its home in the area of southern Florida known as the Big Cypress Swamp (including the

Published 2010-12-01

Keywords

  • Fragaria ×ananassa,
  • sprinkler irrigation,
  • kaolin clay,
  • best management practices

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the use of kaolin clay-based crop protectants in combination with sprinkler irrigation for strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) transplant establishment. Bare-root strawberry transplants were set in fumigated, raised beds covered with polyethylene mulch. Seven treatments resulted from the combination of duration of sprinkler irrigation (8 h/day) and foliar application of kaolin clay: 4 d of sprinkler irrigation; 4 d of sprinkler irrigation plus kaolin clay on day 5; 6 d of sprinkler irrigation; 6 d of sprinkler irrigation plus kaolin clay on day 7; 8 d of sprinkler irrigation; 8 d of sprinkler irrigation plus kaolin clay on day 9; and 10 d of sprinkler irrigation (control). The results indicated that there were no significant differences in plant establishment and early fruit weight of strawberry between plants that were established with the application of 10 d of sprinkler irrigation and either 6 or 8 d of sprinkler irrigation plus foliar-applied kaolin clay. With the use of foliar-applied kaolin clay, water savings were between 3.7 and 5.6 acre-inch/acre of water, which might have a major impact on water management for strawberry production in west-central Florida.
PDF

References

  1. Glenn, D.M., G.J. Puterka, S.R. Drake, T.R. Unruh, A.L. Knight, P. Buherle, E. Prado, and T.A. Baugher. 2001. Particle film application influences apple leaf physiology, fruit yield, and fruit quality. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 126:175–181.
  2. Jifon, J.L. and J.P. Syvertsen. 2003. Kaolin particle film applications can increase photosynthesis and water use efficiency of ‘Ruby Red’ grapefruit leaves. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 128:107–112.
  3. Kahn, B.A. and J.P. Damicone. 2008. Kaolin particle film product applications before harvest begins may not improve marketable yields of fresh tomatoes. HortTechnology 18:144–147.
  4. Peres, N.A., J.F. Price, W.M. Stall, C.K. Chandler, S.M. Olson, T.G. Taylor, S.A. Smith, and E.H. Simonne. 2006. Strawberry production in Florida, p. 375-382. In: S.O. Olson and E.H. Simonne (eds.). Vegetable production handbook for Florida, 2006–2007. Inst. Food Agr. Sci. Publ., Univ. of Florida, Gainesville.
  5. Rosati, A., S.G. Metcalf, R.P. Buchner, A.E. Fulton, and B.D. Lampinen. 2007. Effects of kaolin application on light absorption and distribution, radiation use efficiency and photosynthesis of almond and walnut canopies. Ann. Bot. 99:255–263.
  6. Schupp, J.R., E. Fallahi, and I.J. Chun. 2010. Effect of particle film on fruit sunburn, maturity and quality of ‘Fuji’ and ‘Honeycrisp’ apples. HortTechnology 12:87–90.