Using nonlinear models to define production, production rate, and precocity of strawberry cultivars

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate, using logistic model, the differences in early production, production rate and total productivity of two strawberry cultivars with transplants from different origins grown in substrate. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design (RBD), with two strawberry cultivars (Albion and Camarosa) and two origins of transplants (National and Imported), with four repetitions consisting of eight plants. For the variable fruit mass, the logistic model was adjusted as a function of the accumulated thermal sum, and from the partial derivatives of the adjusted function, the critical points of the model were estimated. The use of the Logistic model allows evaluating precocity and rate of fruit production efficiently and accurately. The cultivar Camarosa was the most productive compared to the Albion cultivar, presenting a shorter production cycle, with a high production peak. The Albion cultivar was earlier, presenting more constant production during the evaluated production cycle. The transplant's origin did not show significantly different results for the cultivars evaluated. The producer must choose the cultivar that will be used based on its performance and also based on consumer preferences and fruit demand.