Influence of Cultivar and Planting Date on Strawberry Growth and Development in the Low Desert

A field study was designed to determine the effects of cultivar and planting date on growth and yield of strawberries (Fragaria x annanasa D.) in the low desert. The study was conducted at the University of Arizona, Citrus Agricultural Center near Waddell, AZ. Treatments included two strawberry cultivars 'Camarosa' and 'Chandler' and three planting dates of 29 Aug., 7 Oct. and 24 Oct. 1997. There were no significant differences in fruit weight between cultivars . However, fruit number was significantly greater for 'Chandler' strawberries compared to 'Camarosa' and, therefore, fruit size was significantly smaller for 'Chandler' compared to 'Camarosa' berries. Fruit weight and number were significantly greater for both cultivars planted 29 Aug. with nearly 4 times greater production compared to the 7 Oct. and 24 Oct. plantings. Initial results of this study suggest summer planting (late Aug.) of strawberries in the low desert is necessary to produce economically viable yields