Growth, Fruit Yield and Quality of Three Strawberry Cultivars as Affected by Mulch Type and Low Tunnel

Abstract

Two field experiments were carried out to study the effects of three mulch treatments (black polyethylene, clear polyethylene in addition to a non-mulched control) under low tunnel system (with and without tunnel), on plant growth, flowering traits, fruit yield and quality of three strawberry cultivars (Fragaria & ananassa Duch); Festival, Sweet Charlie and Gaviota, grown in sandy soil under a drip irrigation system. The results indicated that the three tested strawberry cultivars which were mulched with clear or black polyethylene and tunneled exhibited significant increases in number of leaves, number of crown, leaf area, dry mass/plant, number of flower trusses / plant and it flowered earlier than the non-mulched and non-tunneled ones. Moreover, most yield potential characters i.e. early yield, total yield, yield/plant, marketable yield, culls yield and average fruit weight; were positively and significantly increased by the application of mulch (clear and black polyethylene mulch) and tunneled compared to non-mulched and non-tunneled ones. Furthermore, these treatments, significantly, enhanced most fruit quality characteristics; total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, and reducing, non-reducing and total sugars compared to the control. Both Festival and Sweet Charlie cultivars were exceeded Gaviota one, in this respect.

Productivity of strawberry as influenced by mulch materials and gibberellin under net house condition

“…Organic mulch produced superior results with the maximum plant height compared to other treatments (Addo, 2021). Soliman et al (2015) observed that sawdust mulch increased strawberry height by favorable environment by reducing soil moisture, weed emergence, water loss, increased nitrogen, recycling of nutrients and adding of organic matter to the soil.…”

“…Mulching had a significant impact on the microclimate around the plants by modifying the radiation budget and increasing vegetative growth (Soliman et al, 2015). As the day progresses, mulch protects the soil from heat buildup and improves thermal conditions in the early morning.…”

Albion Strawberry Responds to Mulch Treatments and Low Tunnels Covered with Photoselective Films

“…Recent research shows that compared to traditional open bed strawberry production, low tunnels reduce disease incidence, increase the percent marketable yield, and promote greater marketable yields during the shoulder seasons. Greater total yields and/or fewer runners per plant have also been realized (Anderson et al, 2019;Costa et al, 2017;Henschel et al, 2017;Laugale et al, 2017;Lewers et al, 2017;Orde and Sideman, 2021;Petran et al, 2016;Pritts, 2017;Resende et al, 2010;Soliman et al, 2015;Van Sterthem et al, 2017;Weber et al, 2018;Willden et al, 2021).…”