EFFECT OR ORGAN REMOVAL ON FRUIT PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF STRAWBERRY (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. FERN

Abstract

The effect of trimming flowers, stolons and leaves on the fruit yield of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv Fern, of neutral photoperiod, was studied at Chapingo, México. Refrigerated plantlets were used for field planting at in initial density of 90, 000 plants per hectare. The total remotion of stolons caused an average gain of 77 % in the fruit production and 14 % in fruit size. On the other hand, the flower elimination during the first two months produced severe losses in fruit production, but only when the stolons were not removed; when these stolons were eliminated, plants did not show any production reduction. Defoliation of two month-old plants whose flowers and stolons, however, had a negative effect on production mainly removed, induced a 17 % reduction in fruit production.