Comparative study of the production of strawberries.

  Bare root versus plug technology.  

By Magdalena Torres Vílchez  Agronomist Engineer.   mtorres@citadesva.com 

The main issue moving forward the automation in strawberry production as an effort to lower production costs, is the requirement of some sort of suitable plug system, as most machinery can handle plugs the easiest resulting in optimum field planting results.

 

Before shifting all the strawberry production from bare root into plug production, Adesva Research Center, in collaboration with Jiffy Products, has conducted a study on strawberries in plugs.  

The objective of the study is to compare two different technologies of strawberry Production: Bare Root and Plug. 

 

In both systems the following parameters have been analysed: 

 

-   Number of crowns/plant

-   Accumulative Production in grams/plant

-   Average weight of the fruits

-   Sugar content and hardness of the fruit.  

 

Conclusions:   

When comparing two samples of the same strawberry variety, planting date and growing technique, the only difference being bare root or plug, the study proved no statistical difference (95% confidence)in the following parameters: -   nº crowns/plant-   average weight of fruits-   % of lost fruits after warehousing-   Brix degree -   Hardness of the fruits  However, there were statistical differences when using different varieties and growing technique comparing production in grams/plant. Disadvantages using bare root plants versus plugs will be:  Bare root plants need to be planted immediately due to fragility of the roots, while plugs provide a longer storage time of the plants resulting in easier timing at the producer.Faster establishment in the field, less loss.

 

When working with plugs as supposed to bare root, a different water and nutrient management system will be required. The trials conducted have not taken this in account, and are done making use of the ‘bare root’ established water and nutrient management, potentially diminishing the positive test results of the plugs.

 

 

 

 

 

Link to published article in Spanish language HERE