The Effects of Different Degrees of Defoliation on ‘Seolhyang’ Strawberry’s Fruit Characteristics, Plant Growth and Changes in Nonstructural Carbohydrates

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of different degrees of defoliation during harvest season on hydroponically cultured ‘Seolhyang’ strawberry's fruit characteristics, plant growth, and changes in nonstructural carbohydrates, and find an effective defoliation method. On November 29, 2013, some of the ‘Seolhyang’ leaves were nondefoliated and the others were defoliated remaining 9 and 5 leaves. The number of fruits and fruit weight were not significantly different in the first flower cluster but in the second, third, and fourth flower clusters decreased as the level of defoliation increased. The soluble solids content and acidity of fruits decreased in all the clusters as the level of defoliation increased. The leaf area and leaf dry weight of strawberry plant in all the treatment groups decreased from January to March and root dry weight sharply decreased during February. Thereafter, during April, the growth of plant increased. As defoliation increased, the dry weight of fruits, flower clusters, crowns, and roots decreased, and during late growing period, difference in dry weight according to the degree of defoliation was considerable. The content of carbohydrate was greater in the leaves than the fruits excepting January 30 and February 28, 2014 and in the case of strawberry plant that continuously produce fruits, the content of carbohydrate decreased in the leaves and roots. As defoliation increased, the content of carbohydrate in fruits, flower clusters, crowns, and roots decreased. Defoliation for strawberry plants is carefully done during harvest season. Twelve leaves during December and 14 leaves from January to March should be maintained, and in April when the number of leaves increases, old leaves should be defoliated. Additional key words : flower cluster, Fragaria × ananassa, hydroponics, soluble sugars, starch