Comparison of Bag and Raised Bed Treatments for Strawberry Production Under Unheated Greenhouse Conditions

Summary

This comparative trial evaluated bag and raised bed production systems for strawberry cultivation under unheated greenhouse conditions using three commercial cultivars over two seasons. Bag culture demonstrated higher early and total yields per plant compared to raised bed treatments, whilst fruit quality parameters were not consistently compromised by the cultivation method. The authors conclude that bag culture should be preferred as the production system due to superior yields without adverse effects on fruit quality.

Regional applicability

The findings are potentially applicable to United Kingdom protected horticulture, particularly in regions with moderate climates where unheated greenhouse strawberry production is practiced. However, the study was conducted in Turkey (likely with different light, temperature and humidity regimes), so UK growers should validate results under local growing conditions and with cultivars suited to the UK market.

Key measures

Early yield per plant, total yield per plant, average fruit weight, soluble solids content, acidity, pH, and fruit firmness across cultivars and growing systems

Outcomes reported

The study compared early yield, total yield per plant, and fruit quality characteristics (weight, soluble solids, acidity, pH, firmness) between bag and raised bed culture systems for three strawberry cultivars grown in unheated greenhouse conditions over two seasons.

Topic tags