Seleção e multiplicação de clones de morangueiro (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to select new strawberry clones for the estate of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and to develop methods of multiplication to obtain disease-free transplants with high physiological quality. Five advanced strawberry clones from the Breeding Program and two controls were evaluated in an annual hill system in low tunnels from April to December, 2006. A closed soilless system was developed, based on a growing bed with substrate over a cement tile. A nutrient solution was delivered from a reservoir to the upper end of the tile and drained off back by gravity. An inert substrate (sand) and an organic substrate (Plantmax®) and two advanced strawberry clones were tested. In another experiment fruit yield of plug transplants of different sizes was compared to that of bare-root transplants. Plug transplants were produced rooting runner tips in plastic trays with different volumes of organic substrate. Bare-root transplants were produced in the closed soilless growing system described above. Clones LBD 15.1, LBH 27.2, LBD 35.2 and LBG 121.4 were identified as having potential to be used in the estate of RS. These clones combine earliness, high yield and fruit quality, high content of bioactive compounds and resistance to diseases. A high number of healthy bare-root and runner tips with high quality were obtained with both substrates and both clones. A higher early fruit yield during fall and winter was obtained with plug transplants. Both plug and bare-root transplants reached a high total yield. It was concluded that selected strawberry clones of this research can be recommended to substitute commercial cultivars now planted in the RS or used in combination with them and that disease-free bare-root transplants and runner tips for plug transplants, both with high physiological quality can be produced in the closed soilless system, providing a sustainable alternative for nurseries.