ISHS Acta Horticulturae 379: International Symposium on Quality of Fruit and Vegetables: Influence of Pre- and Post- Harvest Factors and Technology
OUT OF SEASON GLASSHOUSE STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION IN NORTH GREECE |
| Authors: | C. VLACHONASIOS, M. VASILAKAKIS, C. DOGRAS, M. MASTROKOSTAS |
| Abstract:
The out of season strawberry production using the vertical system of cultivation was studied at the Experimental Farm of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in a glasshouse during the periods 1989–90 and 1990–91. Twenty four plants were planted per column, made of milky polyethylene tube, 2 m height and 16 cm diameter and filled with perlite. The nutrient solution used was ½ or 2/3 strength Hoagland, slightly modified. Three day-neutral cvs, Fern, Brighton and Selva, were evaluated. Planting took place on September 1st in both experimental periods. Flowers and runners were being removed during the first 3 or 2.5 months (first and second experimental period, respectively). In the first experimental period, two production peaks were observed ( Feb. 23 and May 7) contributing 50 and 40% of the total yield, respectively. Between the two peaks there was a fifty day period with low production. In the second experimental period, three harvest periods were that peaks on January 20, March 10 and June 5, respectively. Ten percent of the total yield was obtained during the first period and 40% during each of the following two harvest periods. Between the second and third peak there was a period of low production. The yield per plant during both experimental periods ranged between 250 and 300 g/plant, or 5.5–6.0 kg/m2. The fruit quality of both cvs. Fern and Selva were satisfactory. In "Brighton" a high percentage of malformed and cracked fruits, especially during the first harvest period, was observed. Soluble solids ranged from 4.5 to 10.0%; the lowest values were coincided either with the periods of very low light intensity or with the peak of first production period. The lowest values of titratable acidity and ascorbic acid were noticed during the first peak of production and they were progressively improved as the daylength and the light intensity were increasing. Flesh firmness was cultivar dependent and ranged between 0.5 (Brighton and Fern) and 1.0kg (Selva). | |
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