327 High Root-zone Temperature Effects on Floral Initiation in `Allstar' June-bearing Strawberry

Abstract

Temperature, as a potential environmental stressor, interacts with photoperiod in floral initiation of June-bearing strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa), such that high-temperature exposure can result in poor floral initiation. Our objectives were to examine the effects of various durations of high root-zone temperature on floral initiation and development and on vegetative growth and development. In a 1998 greenhouse experiment, hydroponically grown `Allstar' June-bearing strawberry plants were subjected day/night temperatures of 31/21 °C in the root zone for one, two, or three continuous periods (of ≈7 days), followed by exposure to 17 °C for the duration of the experiment. Control plants were raised at 17 °C in the root zone throughout the experiment. An additional temperature treatment was exposure to 31/21 °C in the root zone for two periods, each followed by a period at 17 °C. Plants were arranged in a randomized complete-block design with factorial treatments of duration of high root-zone temperature and harvest time. At the end of each period, plants were harvested and the apical meristems dissected for microscopic evaluation of vegetative and floral meristems and the stage of development of the primary flower. We observed floral initiation in all treatments after photoperiodic induction. However, exposure to 31/21 °C in the root zone during key periods of floral initiation in June-bearing strawberry may alter floral development.