Relay-Intercropping Does Not Reduce Strawberry Yield in an Annual-hill Production System

Abstract

1To whom reprint requests should be addressed. E-mail address: jrduval@ifas.ufl .edu Relay-intercropping is the production of two crops in the same fi eld in a single year, with both crops concurrently in the fi eld for some period of time during which the primary crop has a competitive advantage over the secondary crop. The primary crop suppresses the growth of the second crop with minimal competitive effects on primary crop yield (Coolman and Hoyt, 1993). In contrast, double-cropping is the production of two crops in the same fi eld in a single year but the crops are produced at separate times. Double cropping of vegetables (Brown et al., 1985; Hanna, 2000) and strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) with muskmelon (Cucumis melo) (Poling and Lamont, 1991) on plastic mulch has been found to be a profi table management strategy for producers. Relay-intercropping of strawberries grown in a winter annualhill production system has the potential to maximize inputs of land preparation, plastic mulch, and drip-irrigation in fumigated soil. Planting of secondary crops takes place 4 to 5 weeks before the end of the strawberry production season, dependent on strawberry cultivar. Common secondary crops are muskmelon, summer squash (Cucurbita pepo), pickling cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum). Once strawberry production becomes unprofi table due to unfavorable market prices and poor fruit quality, leaves and crowns are removed by hand to allow unimpeded growth of the secondary crop. By using this practice, growers are able to harvest and market secondary crops earlier than if these crops are not intercropped. However, the effect of relay-intercropping these secondary crops with strawberry has not been documented. In addition, strawberry is an insurable crop. However, insurance policies may not allow for relay-intercropping of strawberry. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intercropping strawberry with the most common secondary crops.