Growth performances of everbearing strawberries in Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya propagation is mainly by crown division because the continuous short-day conditions favour branch crown development over runner production. Continuous crown division and flowering resulted in a decline in vegetative growth of the available cultivars (Turft, Tioga and Aiko). Plant growth is reduced during the short rains, especially when the plants are planted during the cool months (June, July and August). In trials at Limuru removing the older leaves promoted runner production in Turft and Tioga in both the long and short rains. The number of daughter plants produced was directly proportional to the number of runners formed in all cultivars. Deblossoming promoted runner production in Turft but not in Tioga and Aiko. All treatments failed to promote runner production in Aiko. Irrespective of the the treatments, Turft was the most vigorous cv. Petiole length was not influenced by any treatment in any cv., and petioles were significantly longer during the long rains.