Summary
This field study evaluated advanced strawberry selections and commercial cultivars in semi-hydroponic systems across two harvests (2020/2021 and 2021/2022) in Santa Catarina's Southern Plateau, measuring yield and fruit quality parameters. Selections CAV107.7, FRF 256.4 and the Pircinque cultivar exceeded Brazilian productivity averages in the first season despite climate stress, whilst Jonica performed best in the second year; Pircinque was identified as exceptionally high in the soluble solids-to-acidity ratio. The authors conclude that genotype-by-environment interactions and climate resilience are critical for cultivar development in this region, and recommend extended evaluation periods to improve cultivar recommendations for family farming operations.
Regional applicability
This study is specific to the Southern Plateau of Santa Catarina, Brazil, and its findings on adapted cultivars and semi-hydroponic systems have limited direct application to United Kingdom conditions, where strawberry cultivation occurs under different climates, daylengths and production systems. However, the methodological approach to evaluating fruit quality traits and climate resilience may inform cultivar selection strategies in UK protected horticulture.
Key measures
Yield, total production per plant, commercial production, fresh fruit mass, titratable acidity, soluble solids, soluble solids-to-acidity ratio (RATIO), fruit firmness
Outcomes reported
The study evaluated advanced strawberry selections and commercial cultivars for yield, total production per plant, commercial production, fresh fruit mass, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and the soluble solids-to-acidity ratio across two production cycles in semi-hydroponic cultivation. Performance was assessed using Scott–Knott mean comparison and principal component analysis to identify genotypes best suited to Southern Plateau conditions and resistant to local climate stressors.
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