E.A. Waldo, J.R. Duval, G.J. Hochmuth, and R. Hochmuth
University of Florida,
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Hillsborough County Cooperative Extension Service
and the
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center,
Dover Strawberry Lab
13138 Lewis-Gallagher Rd.
Dover, Florida, U.S.A., 33527

Keywords: perlite, strawberries, hydroponic, soilless culture

Abstract:  Summary: With the impending loss of methyl bromide as a soil fumigant, alternative solutions are being sought to negate the effects of soil-borne pests on strawberry production.  One possible solution is to avoid the soil by using soilless culture.  A 2 by 3 factorial experiment with 4 replications using variety and growing method as variables was established at the GCREC-Dover.  Two widely grown varieties, ‘Sweet Charlie’ and ‘Camarosa’ (Fragaria x Ananassa), were used.  Two variations of a soilless culture system were used with perlite as a media in both white and black plastic sleeves laid on top of raised, mulched beds.  Plants were grown in soil using a traditional drip irrigation system under plastic mulch on raised beds as a control.  Total yields were greater in the perlite-based systems than in the soil-based system.  Total yields between plants grown in white or black plastic sleeves were similar.  Early yield and fruit quality were comparable among the perlite and soil systems.   These results show the potential for soilless culture as a viable alternative cultural system for commercial annual strawberry production.

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