THE ABSENCE OF UV-RADIATION DELAYS THE STRAWBERRY RIPENING BUT INCREASES THE FINAL PRODUCTIVITY, NOT ALTERING THE MAIN FRUIT NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

The light spectrum radiating strawberry plants can be altered by using commercial plastics modified in their chemical formulations in order to filter certain wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. In this work, the effect of UV-radiation on the yield of two strawberry cultivars (Fragaria × ananassa 'Camarosa' and 'Ventana'), has been investigated. The obtained results showed that, in both 'Camarosa' and 'Ventana' cultivars, the final productivity of fruits (kg·plant -1 ) was respectively 30 and 20% higher when plants are cultivated in absence of UV radiation. Besides, it was observed that films blocking UV-B delay fruit ripeness (maximum yield of fruits in May). In both cultivars, the average fruit weight was also higher in atmospheres without UV radiation. However, no significant differences between treatments in relation to the main nutritional parameters were observed, although in general, 'Camarosa' fruits showed a better nutritional quality than the one of 'Ventana' fruits.