Effect of chilling duration on runner production and vegetative growth of ‘Pajaro’ strawberry

Abstract

The effect of chilling period on runner production and vegetative growth of 'Pajaro' strawberry was studied in a completely randomized design with four treatments. Transplants (mother plants) were placed in a chilled room (1°C) for four different periods (1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks) before planting. The plants were then grown in a suitable condition for producing runners and daughter plants. All the flowers were removed. Number of runners and daughter plants, crown diameter and weight, number of leaves and leaf area from mother and daughter plants were measured. The effect of chilling period on number of runners was not significant. A higher number of leaves and a larger leaf area of daughter plants were measured in plants that received one week chilling. Number of daughter plants was higher in 1 and 2 weeks chilled plants, but the crown diameter was larger in plants received 2 and 3 weeks chilling. Therefore, if a higher number of daughter plants is desired, the chilling duration of mother plants must be reduced to 1 or 2 weeks. However, if bigger daughter plants with a larger crown diameter and weight are desired, the chilling period of mother plants needs to be 2 or 3 weeks. Four weeks chilling period decreased both the crown number and diameter of daughter plants.