STRAWBERRY PLANT ARCHITECTURE AND FLOWER INDUCTION IN PLANT PRODUCTION AND STRAWBERRY CULTIVATION

Short-day strawberry cultivars induce flowers principally as a result of shorter photoperiod and lower temperatures. Dissection of the strawberry plants gives more information about plant quality. In the present study, the plant architecture is analysed weekly during plant production followed by a commercial strawberry production. An overview of plant development is achieved for strawberry cultivars ‘Elsanta’ and ‘Clery’. The main aim is to understand which buds are responsible for the formation of inflorescences which produce strawberries for the first and the second crop. During the plant production, the two cultivars grow quite similar concerning architecture, but there is a difference in the start of generative growth. Also the development of the axillary bud just below the terminal inflorescence occurs at different dates. The second crop is a result of development of axillary buds just below the terminal inflorescence of the lateral crowns. The plant architecture at planting is not only determining the first, but also the second crop. Logically, the artificial conditions (heating and night-interruption treatments) in the greenhouse affect plant growth and flower induction. Flower development can continue under artificial lighting, but induction and initiation is inhibited by this treatment. Heating after a first crop gives the possibility for the further development of initiated flowers and is crucial for a successful second crop.