Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, 173230, Himachal Pradesh, India
This study investigates the performance of diverse strawberry cultivars under both open field and low polytunnel conditions in the Shivalik foothills of Himachal Pradesh over two growing seasons (2022-2023 and 2023-2024). Research was conducted at the experimental farm of the Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station, Dhaulakuan, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh. Vegetative, floral and fruit characteristics were meticulously evaluated using standard descriptors and established methodologies, with data analysis performed using RBD (factorial) design and SPSS software. Significant variations in vegetative traits were observed among cultivars; for instance, leaf number per plant ranged from approximately 23 in Sweet Charlie to over 42 in Shimla Delicious and Jutogh Special, with cultivar genetic makeup being the primary influencing factor. Regarding floral characteristics, days to flower after planting were notably reduced under polytunnels (an average of 113.14 days) compared to open field (117.25 days) and flowering duration was also extended in polytunnels (87.05 days vs 83.56 days in open field). The earliest first flower opening was consistently observed around January 21 in cultivars like Chandler, regardless of growing conditions in both the years. For fruit characteristics, substantial differences were recorded across cultivars; fruit length, for example, ranged from approximately 26 cm in Shimla Delicious to over 69 cm in Sweet Sensation. Maximum fruit length (up to 71.18 cm) and breadth (up to 51.34 mm) was recorded for Sweet Sensation under polytunnel conditions, although direct growing condition effects on these dimensions were not always significant. Fruit firmness was also categorized with Chandler being rated very firm while Jutogh Special, Selva and Shimla Delicious were very soft. This research provides quantitative insights into cultivar suitability and highlights the benefits of polytunnel cultivation for enhancing strawberry productivity and specific fruit qualities in the region.
Strawberry cultivation, Polytunnel, Open field, Cultivar performance, Fruit characteristics, Vegetative characteristics, Floral characteristics, Himachal Pradesh
