OPTIMISATION OF NITROGEN FERTILISATION PRIOR TO AND DURING FLOWERING PROCESS ON PERFORMANCE OF SHORT DAY STRAWBERRY 'ELSANTA'

Abstract

Optimisation of nitrogen fertilisation prior to and during flowering process of short day strawberry 'Elsanta' influenced the period of flower initiation and subsequent development. Reducing nitrogen prior to the flowering process advanced flower initiation. Increasing nitrogen application in September increased fruit number and yield. Yield pattern was influenced by total nitrogen application. Optimum yield was realised with a total nitrogen application of 120 and 135 kg/ha in autumn and spring cultivation respectively and respecting reduced nitrogen application in the beginning and increasing application in September.