Factors affecting the growth and mineral nutrition of strawberry runners (Fragaria x Ananassa Duch)

The effects of flower removal and runner nutrition on nutrient transfer and runner development were investigated in Parfaite mother plants, each linked by a stolen to a single runner plant. The mother plants received 100 % Hoaglands (H) solution throughout the trial, whereas the runners received either 100 %H or 1 %H. The flower buds were removed from one set of treatments (non-bearing), but were allowed to develop normally on the remaining (bearing) plants. Isotopically labelled P, Fe, Zn, Ca and S were supplied, to the mother or to the runner. After 28d runner dry mass was greater in the 100 %H than in the 1 %H treatment, by 24 % in the bearing and 77 % in the non-bearing treatments. Runner root development was relatively greater at the lower level of runner nutrition. Flower removal and the supply of 1 %H to the runner led to vigorous vegetative growth by the mother. Transfer of labelled elements was bidirectional. Mean transfers of P, Fe, Ca, S and Zn were 13,9 %, 3,8 %, 3,8 %, 3,4 % and 2,2 %, respectively. Transfer from mother to runner was favoured by the higher level of runner nutrition in both the bearing and the non-bearing treatments. Transfer from runner to mother also tended to be favoured by 100 %H, but only in the nonbearing treatment. In the bearing treatment transfer from mother to runner of all five elements was lower at the 100 %H than the 1 %H level of runner nutrition. Flower retention, incremental levels of runner nutrition and stolen severance are recommended for strawberry multiplication beds.