Aiming to determine the effect of plant density on plant growth, yield and chemical characteristics related to the organoleptic quality of Camino Real strawberry fruits in NFT hydroponic system, different plant densities were evaluated: 15.0, 12.5, 10.7 and 9.3 plants m-2, corresponding to the plant space of 0.25, 0.30, 0.35 and 0.40 m and a fixed row space of 0.18m. The NFT system consisted of cultivation benches made of 1.10 x 2.44 m cement tile. Each cement tile gutter was considering a growing trough. Setting was on 04/26/2010 and the trial finished data was on 01/05/2011. Fresh and dry matter of leaves, crown, roots and fruit, leaf area, fruit number and medium fruit weigh were evaluated. Fruit samples were analyzed for total soluble solids content (TSS) and titratable total acidity (TTA). Based on the results, it can be concluded that growth and yield of individual plants of strawberry cultivar Camino Real are not affect by increasing plant density in the range from 9.3 to 15.0 plants m-2. Growth and yield per square meter, as well as total soluble solids content and TSS/TTA ratio of fruits present linear response to the increasing plant density. We suggest the adoption of 12.5 plants m-2, which provides higher fruit yield (2.79kg m-2) with appropriate organoleptic characteristics and reduction in the number of plants required in relation to 15.0 plants m-2 plant density. It is necessary to carry additional studies on cultivar Camino Real in order to promote changes in the system and check the economic feasibility of its cultivation in hydroponics.
Fragaria x ananassa Duch.; dry mater production and partitioning; total solids soluble content; titratable acidity; NFT system
