EFFECTS OF PLASTIC FILM OR CHEESECLOTH COVERING ON FLOWER BUD INITIATION AND DORMANCY IN STRAWBERRY

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film cover delayed the bud development in the 1st cluster, but could promote the development in the 2nd and 3rd flower clusters. The changes of autumn conditions could have offset the reduction of top growth and allowed an increase of root growth. The control and cheesecloth (CC) treatments had higher root dry weight than in PVC cover. The T/R ratio obtained from PVC cover was significantly higher. The 5th petiole and leaflet length decreased gradually from the beginning of observation, with longer petiole and leaflet in PVC cover.