Effects of mulch and cultivar on strawberry productivity under tropical highland conditions
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Date
2006
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Abstract
A study was conducted to determine effects of four mulches (cut grass, clear polyjilm, black polyjilm,
and none) on productivity of four strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch) cultivars (Pajaro, Aiko,
Fern and Douglas) under tropical hig~land conditions. It was hypothesized that polyjilm would hasten
growth and increase yield more than cut stargrass (Cynodon dactylon), or no mulch, through warming
soil, improving nutrient uptake and conserving moisture. The experiment was set up as split plots in
randomised complete block design; mulches were assigned to main plots, whereas cultivars were
assigned to sub-plots. Each of the sixteen treatments was replicated three times. Cultivars were
planted at the beginning of long rains in March 2002. Data were recorded from the fourth month after
planting (MAP) and analysed. Polyjilm hastened growth from 2 to over 5 stolons, 18 to 30 leaves,
31 cm to 35cm diameter at 4 MAP, and increased flowering and yield from 9 to 12 flower stalks, 22 to
29 berries, and 30 g to 35 g berry fresh weight at 9 MAP. Most of the time, black polyjilm growth and
yield parameters were higher than those for cut grass or no mulch. Positive effects of cut grass mulch
developed slowly, while those of clear polyjilm mulch diminished over time. Nine months after
planting, black polyjilm gave significantly (P<0.05) higher yields, and hence is recommended. Clear
polyjilm is recommended only for hastening plant growth. 'Douglas' was often inferior in all response
variables compared to the other three cultivars and hence is least recommended for growing under
tropical highland conditions. Mulch did not significantly (P>0.05) interact with cultivar, implying that
it does not alter the potential of cultivars grown under tropical highland conditions.
Description
Tanzania Journal of Agricultural Sciences 2006, Vol. 7(2) : 125 -132
Keywords
Growth, Productivity, Strawberry cultivar, Tropical highlands