In Watsonville, CA, a region integral to the state's leadership in fresh market strawberry production, a study by the University of California Cooperative Extension Office has shed light on the determinants of fruit yield and size in day-neutral strawberry varieties, specifically Monterey and Cabrillo. Conducted across the 2019–20 and 2020–21 growing seasons on California's Central Coast, this research aimed to assess the impact of initial bare-root crown diameter and the practice of early-season flower cluster removal on these critical agricultural metrics.
The investigation into Fragaria ×ananassa revealed that neither the initial bare-root crown diameter at the time of transplanting nor the early removal of flower clusters significantly affected the overall fruit yield and size for the Monterey and Cabrillo varieties. Although minor variations in fruit production were noted during the initial two months of harvest, these discrepancies were not sustained throughout the entire season.
The findings suggest that, despite the priority placed on fruit quantity and size by growers, these factors are not markedly influenced by the studied plant management practices for day-neutral varieties in the Central Coast context. However, the observed early-season yield variations may offer strategic insights for growers aiming to optimize production for more favorable market periods.
Mark Bolda, a longstanding Strawberry and Caneberry Farm Advisor for Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties, has contributed to this body of research, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to refine agricultural practices for enhanced yield and fruit quality in the region.
For further details on this study, visit the ASHS HortTech electronic journal at: doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05161-22.