M.S. Sweat, D.A. Dinkins, R.C. Hochmuth, S.C. Stapleton
University of Florida, Baker County Extension Service
1025 West Macclenny Avenue, Macclenny, F1., U.S.A., 32063

Kevwords: strawberry, conditioned plants, Sweet Charlie

Abstract: An Extension demonstration was conducted to evaluate the potential for early strawberry production using "conditioned plants" in North Florida. Strawberry transplants of 2 cultivars (Sweet Charlie, Camarosa) from two locations (Florida, North Carolina) were conditioned by placing them in a retrofitted refrigerated trailer body for two weeks in order to facilitate early fruiting. The temperature in the trailer was modified to 50°F at night and 70°F during the day. Artificial lighting adjusted the day length to 12 hours. Capillary mats and drip tape were placed on the floor for irrigation of the plants during conditioning. ABcer conditioning, the plants were transplanted into the fields of 5 cooperating farms and the North Florida Research & Education Center - Suwannee Valley on September 15, 2000. Field production at all sites utilized black plastic mulch with drip irrigation on raised beds and polypropylene covers. Data collected from the replicated trial through February included yield, and runner production. Strawberry harvest from the conditioned plants began in November which was earlier than traditional North Florida production. Trial results indicated that Sweet Charlie was the most responsive to conditioning. Florida grown Sweet Charlie transplants when conditioned produced significantly higher yields with total production of 613 flats/acre compared to 232 flats/acre for the non-conditioned Florida grown transplants. However, the benefit of artificial conditioning is minimized when transplants from Northern climates such as North Carolina are exposed to some natural conditioning before shipping. Strawberry plant conditioning increases early yield of high value strawberries, however further economic analysis is needed.

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