Effect of planting dates on plant growth, yield and quality in different strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) varieties in subtropics of eastern India

Abstract

Study was undertaken to standardize the planting time of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) in agro-climateof Bihar, during 2012-2013. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three varieties namely Sweet Charlie, Festival and Winter Dawn as sub plot with four planting dates, viz. 15 October, 1 November, 15 November and 1 December as main plot with three replications at experimental plot of BAC, Sabour, Bihar. 15 October planting exhibited maximum growth and took longest duration to initiate flowering and fruit set with largest fruit size which was at par with 1 November planting. 1 November planting had maximum number of fruits and yield/plant. Least plant growth and fruit yield was recorded in 1 December planting. Among the cultivars studied, variety Winter Dawn exhibited maximum plant growth however maximum yield of 355.04 g/plant was recorded in var. Festival. Variety Sweet Charlie having minimum fruit size and weight produced highest number of fruits, i.e. 22.48 fruits/plant and excelled in TSS, total sugars and ascorbic acid content. Variety Winter Dawn was found suitable for 15 October planting whereas var. Festival and Sweet Charlie performed better in 1 November planting.