Comparative Study on Fresh Transplant Production in the Major Strawberry Growing Areas of Egypt

This study was carried out during 2002 and 2003 seasons in sandy soils at three different major strawberry production areas i.e. Ismailia (East Delta), Qaluobia (Middle Delta), and Nobaria (West Delta) to compare runner formation and fresh transplant production under four different nursery planting dates i.e. 1, 15, and 30 Apr. and 15 May. Camarosa cultivar was used. Data were recorded on number of main runners, number of fresh transplants dug in September, crown diameter, number of roots, root length, number of leaves, and carbohydrates content in roots and crowns of transplant. Results indicate that, there were significant increases in number of main runners, number of fresh transplants, number of roots, root length, and total carbohydrates in roots and crowns in Ismailia (East Delta) location as compared with other tested locations. On the other hand, Nobaria location showed the lowest value for the above mentioned studied characters. As for nursery planting date, planting nursery mother plants on 1 or 15 Apr. resulted in significant increments in number of runners and marketable fresh transplants as well as number and length of roots and total carbohydrates in roots and crown. However, plants planted in mid May gave the highest values of crown diameter. The study concluded that early establishment of strawberry nursery (first or mid April) is preferable to increase number and quality of fresh transplants. Moreover, Ismailia area (East Delta) was the best for transplant production as compared with the other tested locations. These results may be due to its microclimate condition.