The effect of planting system on the yield of strawberry grown out-of-season

Production systems for out-of-season summer harvest of strawberry were examined in the temperate climate of the Republic of Croatia. The aim was to prolong the harvest season. Two new prospective short-day cultivars, 'Madeleine' and 'Raurica', were grown with two different plastic mulch systems (black and white) using drip irrigation. A one-row bed system was used. Plants were spaced 0.2 in apart and rows were 1.2 m apart, creating a planting density of 40,000 plants per hectare. The highest yield was obtained from 'Raurica' in combination with white plastic mulch and tray plants, while 'Madeleine' achieved the lowest yield on black plastic mulch using cold-stored runner plants. The quality of fruit was good, with higher total soluble solids in comparison with the same cultivars grown in season. By using new cultivars with a higher yield potential and excellent quality nursery plants, it might be possible to extend the strawberry production season.