Influence of planting time and protected conditions on plant growth, yield and fruit quality of strawberry cv. chandler under subtropical conditions

A field experiment was planned to study the effects of plantation time and protected conditions on strawberry. The runners of strawberry cv. Chandler were planted at 30x40 cm apart on the raised beds in the second (T1) and last week of October (T2). Protected conditions of white polythene of thickness 100 gauge (P1), 200 gauge (P2), reed cover (P3) were applied during peak winter months to protect strawberry plants from frost and chilling weather. Early planting on second week of October (T1) and protected condition (P1) treatment proved to be the most efficacious in improving vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality. Ascorbic acid level of the fruits was also found higher with early planting. Increased sugar contents and reduced acidity level of fruits was also observed by this treatment. It also improved plant vigour, physio-chemical characteristics of strawberry fruits and yield.