Abstract
Vegetative propagation using runner plants is an important method to expand the cultivation area for the strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). However, excessively long runners need an increased total amount of nutrients and energy to receive elongation from mother plants, which may lead to poor growth or reduced output. The use of plant growth regulators (PGRs) is an adoptable way to solve such problems. The objectives of this experiment were to study the effects of PGRs and their application methods on the growth and development of runners, runner plants, and mother plants, and also to find effective ways to control the number and length of runners without harmful side effects. Chlormequat chloride (CCC), 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), and ethephon (ETH) at a concentration of 100 mg·L−1 were applied via three different methods: injection into crowns, medium drench, and foliar spray. The results showed that BA injection into crowns was the most effective combination among all treatments, which prominently shortened the length of runners and increased the number of runners and leaves on a single plant. Furthermore, plants with BA solution injection tended to produce stronger runners with higher fresh and dry weights, without affecting the health states of mother plants. The ETH solution seemed to have toxic effects on plants, by leading many dead leaves and weak runners, and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes. Other than the injection method, the other two application methods of the CCC solution did not significantly affect the growth and development of both cultivars. Runner plants grown for 30 days were not affected by any treatments, and they were in similar conditions. Overall, BA injection into crowns is recommended for controlling the number and length of strawberry runners.
Highlights
The strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), a herbaceous perennial crop species from the Rosaceae family, is one of the most popular fruit crops with great economic values
The objectives of this study were to realize the effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and their application methods on the growth and development of strawberry runners, runner plants, and mother plants, and to find out methods to control the number and length of runners without the harmful effects of PGRs on the plants
In accordance with agricultural production practices and guidelines for the use of PGRs, we found that growers usually treat cucumber, tomato, eggplant, and melon with chlormequat chloride chloride (CCC) solution at 100–500 mg·L−1 ; rose and chrysanthemum with BA solution at 50–200 mg·L−1 ; and cucumber, melon, and watermelon at
Summary
The strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), a herbaceous perennial crop species from the Rosaceae family, is one of the most popular fruit crops with great economic values. The strawberry is full of vitamins and minerals that are good for human health [1]. It is commercially grown in approximately 80 countries [2]. In 2013, global strawberry production exceeded 7.7 million tons [3]. Stolons, are stems that grow on the ground surface, with several nodes that are capable of generating adventitious roots and daughter plants because of their meristematic tissues during the growth and development stages [4]. Adventitious roots are available at the second, fourth, or sixth nodes, where the newly-formed plants can be used for propagation.
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