Productivity of Strawberry Depending on Planting Time and Varieties in the Conditions of the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish the optimal timing of planting strawberries using “frigo” seedlings, as well as to assess the productivity of CIV Italy varieties under the conditions of the Republic of Moldova. The strawberry varieties Marmolada, Aprica, Sibilla, Arosa, and Laetitia and three planting dates were taken as the object of research - mid-June, mid-July, and mid-August. The plantation was established in the summer of 2021, research was carried out during 2022-2023. Research has shown that early planting periods contributed to good tillering and the formation of 3.5 to 4.4 fruiting shoots per bush, as well as a well-developed leaf surface, not significantly different from the second year of the growing season while planting in mid-August led to a reduction in the number of leaves by 2.3 – 2.9 times. The most productive among the studied varieties was the Laetitia variety, which in total for 2 years of fruiting amounted to 55.69 t/ha. The varieties Aprica and Sibilla have the fastest ripening of berries. The most optimal time for planting “frigo” seedlings for the conditions of Moldova is the first ten days of July, which contributes to obtaining the first harvest more than 2 times higher compared to the recommended planting in mid-August.