EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS ON FLOWER BUD INITIATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF STRAWBERRY – POSSIBLE ROLE OF NITROGEN

The effect of the supplemental application of fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium on flower bud initiation and development of June-bearing strawberry during flower induction by short-day was investigated using cv. ‘Toyonoka’. In the early period during the flower induction treatment, the application of fertilizer inhibited flowering. However, after 10 days of flower induction treatment, the fertilizer application promoted flowering. The possible role of nitrogen in the flower bud initiation and development process is discussed.