Influence of planting date and runner order on strawberry plug plants grown under plastic tunnels

Strawberry fall plantations are generally established in Sicily with freshly dug plants. However, the use of plug plants, as an alternative method of strawberry plant establishment has recently increased. Although more expensive than frigo and fresh-plants, plug plants can be transplanted earlier and maximize their potentiality. In this investigation, runner tips of two cultivars, 'Camarosa' and 'Tudla' and a selected line 91.214.2 were graded into first, second and third order generation, for rooting as plug plants. Rooting was accomplished in 60 cell, 7 x 30 x 50 cm polystyrene trays filled with coconut coir dust. Plants were transplanted at different dates (September 5, September 25 and October 15) under polyethylene plastic tunnels. Planting dates affected early and total fruit production. Planting on September 5 resulted in earlier yields. Tertiary plants produced significantly earlier yields than secondary and primary plants. The selected line 91.214.2 gave earlier yields than 'Camarosa' and 'Tudla'. 'Camarosa' gave the highest total yields.