THE MAIN PHENOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF STRAWBERRY VARIETIES IN THE SAMARA REGION

Abstract

The study of the timing of the onset of phenological phases, depending on the weather conditions of the Samara region, makes it possible to assess the adaptive capabilities of strawberry varieties and recommend them for growing in the specified area. The article presents the results of studying in the Research Institute of Horticulture and Medicinal Plants” Zhigulevskiye Sady” the timing of the onset and duration of the phenological phases in 118 varieties of strawberries of various genetic origin. The dates and duration of the phenophases of flowering and fruiting are indicated. In the Samara region, the growing season of strawberry plants begins in mid-April, when a positive average daily temperature of + 5…+8°C is established. Flowering occurs in the first or second decade of May with the sum of active temperatures (above +5°С) ( ∑ t > 5°С) 209–519°С and effective (above +10°С) ( ∑ t > 10°С) 126,4–424,8°C. Early flowering varieties are the least demanding in terms of heat accumulation for the beginning of flowering compared to late flowering ones. From flowering to ripening, an average of 28 days pass. The beginning of ripening occurs in the first or second decade of June, with the accumulation of the sum of active temperatures 585–1063°C and effective 376,4–971,4°C. On average, berries ripen for 18 days. As a result of research in the Samara region, it was found that the timing and duration of the phenological phases of strawberries are significantly influenced by weather conditions. Based on long-term data (2006–2018), the studied varieties are divided into groups according to flowering and ripening periods. The early group included 35 varieties, middle — 58 varieties, and 25 — late varieties. To increase the period of consumption of fresh berries, it is important to have varieties of different ripening periods.