The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of plant density on growth and yield of two "day-neutral" strawberry cultivars in organic crop system. The experiment was carried out in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State. The treatments were composed by the combination of two experimental factors: plant density (3.51; 5.26 and 7.02 plants m-2, corresponding to double, triple and quadruple rows, respectively) and cultivars (Diamante and Aromas). The experimental design was in randomized blocks with four replications. At the end of the experiment, dry mass production and partitioning, yield and the main growth index were evaluated. The strawberry crop at 5.26 plants m-2 (triple row) provide an appropriate plant biomass production and partitioning and a yield of 30.4 Mg ha-1. This yield was higher than the yield obtained at 3.51 plants m-2 (double row) and similar to the values found in the treatment with 7.02 plants m-2 (quadruple row). Therefore, triple row arrangement for strawberry crop can be used in order to benefit plant growth and yield in organic crop system. The Diamante and Aromas cultivars showed similar growth and yield pattern.
Fragaria x ananassa Duch; crop production physiology; dry mass production and partitioning; sustainable production; ecological management
