Using the floral status of strawberry plants, as determined by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, to survey the phenology of commercial crops

Abstract

Field surveys were conducted on cultivated strawberries (Fragaria xananassa Duch.) to determine the time of flower initiation and its relation to maximum and minimum temperatures and daylength. Stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were compared. Flower initiation in 'Torrey' strawberry was more dependent on minimum temperature than on daylength or maximum temperature. Flower initiation in the day-neutral 'Aptos' occurred regardless of daylength or temperature during sampling. For the study of flower initiation and inflorescence development, SEM gave more detail than stereomicroscopy.