BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTIVITY AND ACTUAL YIELD OF NON-NATIVE VARIETIES OF STRAWBERRY

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the biological productivity, actual yield and taste characteristics of introduced strawberry cultivars in conditions of the Orel region and to select promising genotypes for commercial use and breeding. The studies were carried out in 2016-2017 in the fields of the Russian Research Institute for Fruit Crop Breeding in the Orel region. 8 Russian strawberry cultivars and 18 foreign cultivars were studied. Strawberry cultivars admitted for use in the Central-Chernozem region, i.e. Rubinovy Kulon (early ripening), Urozhainaya TzGL (average ripening) and Zenga Zengana (late ripening), were taken as control cultivars. The cultivars were placed in three repetitions in the amount of 10 plants in each repetition. The soil of the plots was dark-grey forest. Previously the field was planted with mustard. The location of the plots was randomized. Drip irrigation was used. The spacing of planting was 0.2 m X 1.0 m. The biological productivity was studied according to three indications: the amount of flower buds per plant, the amount of flowers per plant and the average weight of berries per plant. Clary, Alba, Solovushka, Asia, Sonata, Berginya, Molling Pandora, Alfa and Malvina had the greatest average weight of berries. Alba, Solovushka, Sara, Asia, Sonata and Bereginya had maximal indications of biological productivity. The greatest actual yield was observed in Vima Zanta, Solovushka, Sara and Berginya. Rosinka and Urozhainaya TzGL were the best ones in berry taste; Alba and Bereginya were the best ones in berry appearance; Sara and Antea had the most fragrant berries. Alba, Solovushka, Asia, Tzaritza, Bereginya and Sonata are the most promising strawberry cultivars according to the complex of the indications for growing in the Central -Chernozem region.