Origem dos propágulos para produção de mudas e épocas de plantio no desempenho agronômico de cultivares de morangueiro da Embrapa

Abstract

The strawberry cultivation holds great economic and social importance in Brazil and worldwide. The exploitation of this species stands out for its profitability, healthful fruit and economic profitability. Its cultivation has specific requirements, and it is essential to consider the best planting date, the choice of the right cultivar, and the quality of the plantlets. The aim of this study were to evaluate the agronomic performance of new strawberry cultivars from Embrapa’s breeding program in different planting date and to assess the quality and yield performance of strawberry plantlets regarding tips position on the stolon. The assay were conducted during the season 2022 in the Pelotas city outside area, located on a private family farm. The plants were cultivated using annual hill system, with beds covered with black polyethylene film with low tunnels protection. The plants were cultivated using a annual hill system, with beds covered with black polyethylene film with low tunnels protection. In the assay one, two genotypes, 'BRS DC25 Fênix' and 'BRS DC22', and four planting dates of the plantlets were studied. In the assey two, the same genotypes were evaluated, considering different positions of the tips on the stolon from mother plant. The planting date of 'BRS DC22' and 'BRS DC25 Fênix' in the Pelotas did not result in differences in total fruit yield, yield (kg ha- 1), and colorimetric variables. 'BRS DC22' produced a huge fruits number and high crowns number per plant. The fruits of 'BRS DC25 Fênix' had a higher average weight. The position of the tips directly affected the quality of the plantlets. First-order plantlets had larger crown diameters. Fourth-order plantlets had a higher dry root mass. 'BRS DC25 Fênix' plantlets had larger crown diameters and lower dry root mass compared to 'BRS DC22' plantlets. The order of the tips did not affect the average total fruit production (g plant-1). The position of the tips directly influenced the survival rate of 'BRS DC25 Fênix' cultivar plantlets, with first-order tips plantlets showing the lowest survival rate for this genotype. The position of the tips on the stolon may have a direct relationship with the quality plantlet. Early planting date of the 'BRS DC25 Fênix' cultivar enables early strawberry production, allowing for the time harvest more favorable productive windows with better incomes. Planting 'BRS DC22' from April 1st is recommended. The results contribute to the adjustment of the best planting time for plantlets, considering environmental aspects and market opportunities.