At the Cauquenes Experiment Station (INIA), the performance of six strawberry cultivars, Tutt, Toro, Douglas, Vista, Cruz and Aiko, was evaluated through six yielding seasons (1982-1988). Rows of 60 m in length, with plants at 0.3 m appart, were annually planted with each cultivar, on handmade ridges separated 1m from each other. Ridges were covered with a black polyethylene mulch, and between them, weeds were controlled by hand. Irrigation was applied daily, for 3 hr with a drip system. Flowering and yield were evaluated annually. The first flowers occurred between the last days of August or the first of September, depending on the year. The first fruits were picked between the 10th and the 25th of September, also depending on the year. Aiko was some days later than the rest to produce mature fruits. Harvesting was finished the first days of January, in the 1983/84 season, and the 22nd of February, in the 1984/85 season. Yield levels were fluctuating, and the maximum was with Douglas (14.5 ton/ha); this level does not compare well with the potential of the species, and it could be assumed that the poorly drained soils of the area, are not well adapted for the requirements of strawberries. |
ChileanJAR
