Adapatability trial of japanese strawberry variety in Claveria, Misamis Oriental [Philippines]

Strawberry is popularly grown in Benguet Province, Philippines. However, growing strawberry might be possible in other areas of the country with cooler climate particularly in Claveria. Adaptability trial of Japanese strawberry (Tochiotome) variety was conducted at Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT), Research Station, Claveria, Misamis Oriental to explore the possibility of growing strawberry in Claveria. Strawberry plants (62 plants) were planted on Nov. 16, 2010 at a distance of 50 cm between plants. Basal (14-14-14) and side stress (urea) fertilizers were applied, respectively. Watering and hand weeding were done as necessary. To compare the production of runners, 10 plants were deflowered while remaining plants were allowed to bear flowers. Agronomic characteristics such as number of runners, weight and number of marketable and non-marketable fruits were recorded. Flowering was observed at about two weeks after planting. One week after deflowering, deflowered plants produced 50% runners while no runner was observed on the flowered plants. At one month after planting, deflowered plants produced 90% runners while flowered plants produced 3%. Two weeks later, deflowered plants produced 200% runners while the flowered plants only produced 55%. Marketable fruits (9 pieces; 83 g) were first harvested at 1 month and 1 week after planting. One week later, a total of 26 pieces of fruits were harvested, of which 18 pieces (153g) were marketable. Additional 13 pieces (103 g) of marketable fruits were harvested two days later. At one month and three weeks after planting, a total of 37 pieces of fruits were harvested, of which 27 pieces (197 g) were marketable. The runners produced in this study will be used as planting materials for further study to be grown organically. This preliminary study revealed the possibility of growing strawberry plants in Claveria, Misamis Oriental owing to its cool climate and slightly acidic soil.