Fruit production of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) in two Spanish forests

Abstract

Recent studies have emphasized the nutritional interest of the fruits of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.), a species traditionally gathered in the Mediterranean region. Since fruit production in this species has been scarcely studied, we aimed to assess its local fruit supply in terms of fruit mass and fruit abundance. We carried out a 2-year study in two representative sites from continental and temperate regions of Central and Western Spain, respectively. Tree size, tree density and meteorological data were considered. The aged small population at Site 1 yielded 6.42 ± 1.19 kg per tree (46 ± 19 kg ha -1). The young large population from resprouts at Site 2, where forest management practices related to cork extraction have favoured shrubby growth forms, yielded 2.61 ± 0.42 kg per tree (539 ± 60 kg ha -1). Annual differences in fruit production per tree were recorded at Site 1, characterized by a Mediterranean climate with more severe continental traits than those at Site 2. This original data on wild fruit production may contribute to assessing the yield potential of this species for both sustainable use and cultivation purposes. © Institute of Chartered Foresters, 2011. All rights reserved.