Planting Density Interferes with Strawberry Production Efficiency in Southern Brazil

Abstract

In the search for more efficient production systems, many changes have occurred in the strawberry production sector. Planting density is one of the management techniques that most interferes with the quality of fruits and production aspects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different planting densities on the photosynthetic characteristics, fruit quality, and production of the strawberry cultivar Pircinque. The study was conducted in the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 harvests in Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The treatments consisted of plant spacing of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 cm. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four blocks and plots of 20 plants. Plant spacing interfered with fruit quality, photosynthetic efficiency, production, productivity, and economic return. Due to the fruits of 'Pircinque' with higher quality than other cultivars, the planting spacing between 5 and 15 cm allows meeting the fruit's main production and quality requirements. However, it is up to the producer to adapt the management if opting for higher planting densities, which allow greater economic viability of the business.

Production and economic efficiency in the cultivation of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) depending on the method of production – case study

“…Strawberry is one of the most frequently consumed berry fruit, and its cultivation area is increasing worldwide, which is accompanied by the emergence of new production practices to increase yields and maintain a favourable balance with the surrounding environment [Martínez-Ferri et al 2014], as well as to raise the production and economic efficiency [Diel et al 2016, Martins de Lima et al 2021, Giovannini et al 2021]. Strawberry cultivation carried out in an organic system can be considered one of such practices.…”