Densidade de plantio nos aspectos produtivos de cultivares de morangueiro em sistema semi-hidropônico

Abstract

Strawberry cultivation in southern Brazil is of high economic relevance; however, defining the appropriate planting density for variety selection remains a challenge, especially in semi-hydroponic systems, where management directly influences yield and fruit quality. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of planting density on productive and quality aspects of five strawberry varieties grown in a semi-hydroponic system. The experiment was carried out in Saudade do Iguaçu, Southwestern Paraná, Brazil, under protected conditions. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 5 x 4 factorial scheme (strawberry varieties x planting density), with four replications, and the experimental unit varied according to the analyses. The strawberry cultivars BRS DC25 Fênix, Fronteras, San Andreas, Monterey, and Portola were tested, with planting densities of 4, 6, and 8 plants per linear meter. Productive variables (yield, number of fruits, leaves, and stolons), survival and physicochemical fruit quality attributes (fresh mass, diameters, firmness, soluble solids, acidity, pH, and color parameters) were evaluated. The results showed that increasing planting density reduced yield per plant during periods of higher physiological demand. Day-neutral varieties showed greater production stability, with San Andreas and Portola receiving particular emphasis. A positive correlation was observed between yield and the number of fruits, as well as between yield and the number of leaves, highlighting the importance of the balance between vegetative growth and reproductive performance. It is concluded that the semi-hydroponic system is efficient for strawberry cultivation under the studied conditions, with a recommended density of 6 plants per meter and the use of the San Andreas cultivar to achieve higher productivity and fruit quality.