The evaluation of some Italian strawberry genotypes in Romania

Despite an overall decrease in total production area of strawberries in Romania over the last 15 years, interest in the crop continues from both small-scale growers and larger companies. During 2015-2019, the Research Institute for Fruit Growing in Pitesti had the opportunity to organize two open field trials with 11 genotypes in randomized block design with three repetitions plots (10 plants/genotype/ repetition). Data were collected for: yield, average fruit weight, firmness, colour, soluble solids and diseases attack in field. The results showed significant differences between genotypes. The fruit production ranged from 232.67 g plant^‑1 ('Pircinque') to more than 500 g plant^‑1 ('Garda' and 'FC 140.13') and the average fruit weight from 17 g fruit^‑1 ('FC 30.8') to 27.41 g fruit^‑1 ('FC 140.13'). Considering the growth of yield and fruit quality, the genotypes 'Garda' and 'FC 140.13' were promising under central Romanian climatic conditions.