Extended Supplementation of Nutrient Solution for Runner Plant Production Improved the Growth of Runner Plants and Enhanced the Reproduction Rate and Quality of ‘Maehyang’ Strawberry Fruits

Summary

This study optimised nutrient solution supply duration during runner plant propagation in strawberry ('Maehyang') production by comparing five treatment regimens combining water and nutrient solution applications over 40 days. Equal supply of nutrient solution and water (20 days each) produced the largest, most nutrient-dense runner plants with elevated phosphorus, magnesium, sulphur, and iron concentrations, and led to flowering 3–9 days earlier than controls and higher marketable fruit yields. The findings suggest that balanced nutrient availability during runner plant establishment directly influences subsequent reproductive performance and commercial productivity.

Regional applicability

This research was conducted in South Korea under controlled conditions with cultivar-specific protocols ('Maehyang'). The principles of optimising nutrient solution timing during runner plant propagation may have limited direct applicability to United Kingdom outdoor or polytunnel strawberry systems, which often use different cultivars, growing media, and environmental conditions. However, the methodology and nutrient ratios (EC 0.6–1.2 dS·m⁻¹) could inform UK growers using soilless or container-based production systems, particularly in commercial polytunnel operations.

Key measures

Crown diameter, fresh shoot weight, leaf area, leaf mineral content (P, Mg, S, Fe), C/N ratio, budding and flowering timing, fruit characteristics (weight, length, diameter, firmness, soluble solids content, acidity), total fruit number, and marketable fruit yield

Outcomes reported

The study measured the effects of varying nutrient solution supply periods on runner plant growth characteristics, mineral nutrient uptake, flowering timing, and fruit yield in 'Maehyang' strawberry production. Extended nutrient solution supply (20 days of nutrient solution + 20 days of water) optimised runner plant development and enhanced subsequent flowering speed and marketable fruit yield.

Topic tags