Summary
This field trial investigated defoliation management strategies for hydroponically grown 'Seolhyang' strawberry during the harvest season. Increasing defoliation intensity reduced fruit yield and quality metrics (sugar content and acidity) in later inflorescences, decreased plant dry matter accumulation and nonstructural carbohydrate content across organs, with effects becoming more pronounced in the later growth stages. The authors recommend minimal defoliation during harvest, maintaining approximately 12 leaves in December and 14 leaves from January to March, with selective removal of older leaves once new growth commences in April.
Regional applicability
This research is specific to South Korean protected horticulture conditions and the 'Seolhyang' cultivar under hydroponic production. The findings may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom strawberry production systems, which typically employ soil-based or substrate cultivation and different cultivars suited to temperate climates; however, the mechanistic insights into defoliation-induced carbon redistribution and the principle of optimising leaf retention for fruit quality could inform UK protected strawberry management practices.
Key measures
Fruit yield and quality (soluble solids, acidity) by inflorescence order; leaf area and dry matter weight; root dry matter; carbohydrate content in fruit, leaves, crown and roots; temporal changes from January to April
Outcomes reported
The study examined how different defoliation intensities during harvest affect fruit characteristics (yield, sugar content, acidity), plant growth parameters (leaf area, dry matter accumulation in roots and shoots), and nonstructural carbohydrate distribution across plant organs in hydroponically cultivated 'Seolhyang' strawberry. Recommendations were developed for optimal leaf retention schedules across the harvest season.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Ask about this record, its theme or its relevance to UK farming and policy. Pulse AI uses selected catalogue evidence and cites the sources it draws on.