Effect of transplant source on strawberry fruit production in Florida

'Sweet Charlie', 'Oso Grande', and 'Seascape' strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa, Duch.) transplants were obtained from nurseries in Florida and southern Canada and set into fruit-production plots in October during 2 seasons. Canadian-grown transplants were the first to begin fruit production and had higher yields than Florida-grown transplants during December each season. The first season, 'Sweet Charlie' transplants from Canada gave greater seasonal yields than 'Sweet Charlie' transplants from Florida, yet Florida 'Seascape' transplants outyielded Canadian-grown transplants. Fruit from Florida-grown transplants generally had higher average fruit weight. Transplant source did not significantly affect cull fruit yield or percent marketable fruit, Except for 'Seascape' in 1992-93 and 'Oso Grande' in 1993-94, the Canadian plants gave higher gross income before expenses were deducted. Data indicate that yield and cash return differences due to source can be expected to vary with the season.