Author
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Black, Brent |
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Submitted to: Journal American Society Hortscience
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 2/3/2004 Publication Date: 2/3/2004 Citation: Black, B.L. 2004. Prohexadione-calcium decreases autumn runners and advances branch crowns of 'chandler' strawberry in a cold-climate annual production system. Journal American Society Hortscience. 129:479-485. Interpretive Summary: Optimum production of strawberry fruit requires cultural practices to control vegetative growth in the form of stolons or runners. In some cases, runner production can be excessive, resulting in increased hand labor and reduced yields. The gibberellin inhibitor prohexadione-Ca was tested over two seasons for suppressing autumn runners of 'Chandler' plug plants in a cold-climate annual hill production system. Prohexadione-Ca was applied as a foliar spray at active ingredient concentrations ranging from 60 to 480 mg per liter, either as a single application or repeated at 3-week intervals. Rates above 120 mg per liter significantly reduced runner numbers and increased autumn branch crown formation, with no negative effects on plant morphology the following spring, and no adverse effects on fruit characteristics or yield. These results show a potential new commercial application for this plant growth regulator. Should the product manufacturer obtain registration for use on strawberry, prohexadione-Ca will be an important management tool for growers that use the annual hill production system. Technical Abstract: Balancing vegetative growth with fruiting is a primary concern in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) production. Where nursery plant selection and preconditioning are inadequate for runner control, additional approaches are needed. The gibberellin inhibitor prohexadione-Ca was tested over two seasons for suppressing autumn runners of 'Chandler' plug plants in a cold-climate annual hill production system. Prohexadione-Ca was applied as a foliar spray at active ingredient concentrations ranging from 60 to 480 mg per liter, either as a single application or repeated at 3-week intervals. The lowest rate resulted in inadequate runner control, with some runners producing malformed daughter plants. Higher rates resulted in 57 to 93% reductions in fall runner numbers, with a concomitant increase in autumn branch crown formation. There were no effects of the prohexadione-Ca treatments on plant morphology the following spring, and no adverse effects on fruit characteristics or yield. |
