Late-season nitrogen applications in high-latitude strawberry nurseries improve transplant production pattern in warm regions

• Published in: African journal of biotechnology 2010-02, Vol.9 (7), p.1001-1007
• Main Authors: Daniel, S Kirschbaum, Kirk, D Larson, Steve, A Weinbaum, Theodore, M DeJong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Fragaria
• ISSN: 1684-5315; 1684-5315
• DOI: 10.5897/AJB09.1059

The influence of late-season nitrogen (N) applications on the fruiting pattern of strawberry runner plants of `Camarosa' was determined over three growing seasons. Experiments were carried out in high-latitude nurseries in northern California and fruit production trials were established in southern California. A total of 80 kg/ha of foliar nitrogen was delivered in three applications to the nursery in late summer. Late-season foliar nitrogen applications: (1) increased early yields (+22% on average) as well as the number of early marketable fruit, (2) did not affect total season yields, fruit size, appearance and firmness and (3) resulted in greater N concentration in leaves, crowns and roots. Runner plants with leaf N concentration within the sufficiency range (1.9 - 2.8% of dry mass) produced the highest early yields. Total nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations decreased in most of the N-treated plants. Apparently, nursery late-season foliar nitrogen applications enhance N mobilization to crown and root, stimulate plant activity during the period of flower differentiation after planting, accelerating flower development and contributing to the advancement of fruit production.