Performance of strawberry varieties in different planting dates under agro-climatic conditions of hill zone of Assam

Abstract

A field trial was conducted at Assam agricultural University, Zonal Research Station, Diphu, with the objective to identify suitable variety and optimum time of planting for cultivation of strawberry in hill zone of Assam. Three varieties viz., Chandler, Festival and Sweet Charlie were tested in four dates of planting, such as 15th October, 15th November. 15th December and 15th January in the trial conducted in split plot design. Among the varieties tested, highest berry weight (14.89 g) and highest yield (186.8 g/plant) was obtained in variety Chandler. Highest number berry per plan (19.20) and longest harvest duration (65.0 days) was recorded in variety Sweet Charlie. The yield performance of Sweet Charlie (182.4 g/plant) was at par with that of Chandler. Thus, both varieties Chandler and Sweet Charlie were considered suitable for cultivation in the region. Among the planting dates, 15th November was found most suitable with highest nos. of berry per plant (29.15), highest yield (298.7g/plant) better quality fruits with highest TSS and sugar content (7.06 0Brix 6.04% respectively).