Productivity and fruit quality of 'Clery' strawberry affected by planting density in a soilless growing system

Abstract

This study illustrates the differences in yield components, morphometric and nutritional fruit properties of the strawberry cultivar 'Clery' affected by planting density in a soilless growing system. Cold stored frigo plants were planted at the beginning of August 2018 in bags filled with 20 L substrate mixture which were placed within styrofoam containers on a 1.2 m high tabletop. The effect of two planting densities, 10 and 14 plants m(-2), on mentioned parameters was monitored during 2019 in a greenhouse from the 'Euro Fruit' company in Kupinovo, Serbia. Results showed that the harvest window was similar in both applied planting densities and it lasted around one month (from April 20 to May 20, 2019). Contrary to this, a significantly higher number of fruits plant(-1), yield plant(-1) and average fruit weight was registered in the density of 10 plants m(-2) (27.8; 545.4 g plant(-1); 20.0 g, respectively). Higher planting density of 14 plants m(-2) significantly increased concentrations of glucose, citric, malic and shikimic acids in the fruit (20.3 g kg(-1); 5.41 mg g(-1); 2.23 mg g(-1) and 20.13 mu g g(-1), respectively). Soluble solids, fructose and vitamin C content in fruit were not affected by the planting density. These results indicate that the use of a planting density of 10 plants m(-2) could be considered more suitable in a soilless production system of 'Clery' with optimal yields plant(-1) and m(-2) despite positive effects on some morphometric and chemical fruit traits at the density of 14 plants m(-2).