The Effects of Planting Time, Runner Size and Plant Spacing on the Yield of Strawberries

Abstract

SummaryIn experiments over the period 1962–64 in southern England the effects of runner size, planting time and in-row spacing were compared with regard to the yield of one-year strawberry plants. Planting time had the greatest effect. Early planting markedly increased yield, though runner size interacted with it. In August, runner size had no effect, very small runners yielding as well as large ones but, from September planting, large runners outyielded smaller runners. Plots with spacing of six inches in the row outyielded those with spacing of twelve inches.The experimental treatments did not have a marked effect on the yield of large berries in 1962, but in 1963, when growth was less vigorous, treatment effects were similar to those on overall yield. The yield of very early, ripe fruit was greatest from the September-planted runners. Plant spacing had no effect on time of ripening.The difference in growth and crop between the two years was probably related to the soil and to air-temperature differences each autumn after planting.In the second season of each trial, plant spacing was doubled, by removal of alternate plants. The original planting treatments had few significant effects on the yield from the spaced, two-year old plants. From both one-and two-year-old plants Cambridge Favourite outyielded Cambridge Rival, but the latter gave more early ripe fruit and less waste fruit.