Relationship Between Achene Number, Achene Density, and Berry Fresh Weight in Strawberry

Abstract

Field-grown genotypes (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) were studied in two seasons to determine the relationship of primary berry fresh weight to the total number of achenes per berry and the number of achenes/cm2 of receptacle tissue. Within genotypes grown in matted rows (1985), berry fresh weight was correlated with the total number of achenes per berry. In the hill system (1986), berry weight was correlated with the number of achenes and the number of achenes/cm2. Genotypic variation in berry weight in the matted row was related to the total number of achenes. In the hill system, there were no differences in the total number of achenes per berry between high- and low-yielding genotypes, but the highest-yielding genotype had fewer achenes/cm2.

Yield Component Analysis of Strawberry Genotypes Differing in Productivity

“…Genotypic variation in yield in 1985 was related to differences in the number of berries per plant, crown dry weight, total plant dry weight, and perhaps leaf area (Tables 9 and 10). Large berry size and perhaps high yield in the genotypes studied in 1985 were related to the total number of achenes per berry (11). In 1986, yield per plant was greater than in 1985, as plants were grown individually and thus had multiple crowns and greater vigor (Tables 9 and 10).…”

“…Compensatory relationships among yield components have been observed in other genotypes (3,10). Berry size of 132E57 may be restricted by a limit to the maximum berry expansion possible (11). Guttridge and Anderson (4) suggested that the combination of large plants and small berries may indicate that the berries are inherently small and compete weakly for photosynthates against the vegetative sink.…”

“…One major limitation for commercial production of guayule rubber is inconsistent field establishment by direct seeding due, in part, to seedling susceptibility to drought and salinity stress. Miyamoto et al (11) determined the effects of drought and salinity separately on the germination of five USDA selections. Percent germination was reduced 20% to 60% over the range of 0 to 300 meq-liter-1 salt concentration, with significant differences among selections.…”