Evaluation location: Oregon, United States
In September 2018, 288 cultivars were planted in a field on the North Farm of the USDA, 33707 Peoria Road, Corvallis, Oregon, 97333-2521. For this field study, three replicates of each cultivar were planted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The blocks are defined based on irrigation proximity and soil compaction. Guard rows of strawberries were planted around the perimeters of the plot and central water wheel row.
Plant spacing is 0.762m (2.5’) x 0.762m (2.5’) so that the plants can be tilled across rows and within rows using existing tractors and tillers. This prevents runners from contaminating adjacent clones. Irrigation is provided by a center waterwheel that travels the length of the plot.
Traits evaluated in spring-summer 2019 and 2020
Plant Height measured early May
First Flower Date taken weekly from 1 March through Mid-June
Average number of runners per crown collected during the week of 1 July
Average number of plants per runner
Average runner length per crown
Mean harvest date
Average fruit weight of 5 berries per crown
Average individual fruit weight per accession
Average petiole length per crown
pH of fruit
Soluble solid content
Titratable Acidity