EFFECTS OF PLANTING DATES ON STRAWBERRY PLUG PLANT PERFORMANCE IN SICILY

Sicilian strawberry production plays an important role in the European strawberry industry, due to early production (February to April) and high market value. In Sicily planting takes place from August to October, depending on cultivation method and cultivar. Plug plants (tip plants) and fresh-dug plants from high elevation nurseries are the preferred plant materials due to early fruiting potential. However, optimal planting dates must be determined for the various commercial strawberry varieties in order to maximize fruit production. We planted four cultivars, ‘Camarosa’, ‘Candonga’, ‘Tudla’, ‘Naiad’ and a selection, ‘MT 99.163.22- Kilo’ (‘MT 91.143.5’ × ‘Chandler’) on September 25^th and October 10^th 2006. Early-season and total yield were greatest for plug plants established in late September as plants were able to achieve adequate growth before the cold winter season.