Effects of Cultivar and Plant Age on Vegetative Growth of the Strawberry, Fragaria ananassa

Abstract

Growth of strawberry plants (Dunlap, Sparkle, and Catskill) in the greenhouse was affected by the time of rooting of the runners in the field. This was shown by more rapid leaf and leaf-area production, larger leaf size, more runners and root growth on the older compared to the younger runner plants. The oldest plants also produced the greatest number of flower buds, but the time of bloom was not appreciably affected. The growth responses of plants of different sizes were similar to those of plants of different ages. These growth responses were most apparent during the first stages of growth, but the resulting differences frequently persisted for several months. Significant differences between cultivars were also found. Initially the greatest leaf size and leaf area were produced by Catskill plants. Because of a higher leaf production rate, Sparkle plants eventually had the largest leaf area. Sparkle plants were the last to flower and also to initiate runner production. Dunlap plants were the first to flower and produced the largest number of flowers. In the field, leaf production records indicated responses from cultivars and plant age similar to those found in the greenhouse.