Some Effects of Temperature and Photoperiod on Flower Formation and Runner Production in the Strawberry

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Abstract
Missionary strawberry plants were grown under conditions of controlled temp. and controlled artificial light in a study of certain effects of temp. and photo-period on this plant. Flowers were produced under short (10-hr.) days and runners were formed under long (14-hr.) days at 70 [degree]F. Flowers and fruits were produced equally well at a constant temp. of 70[degree]F as at a simulated natural fluctuating temp. of 80[degree]F during the light period and 60[degree]F during the dark period. Flower and fruit development was slightly more rapid at the fluctuating temp., however, than at the constant temp. Strawberry plants produced flowers when grown under: (1) short days (10 hrs.) and long nights (14 hrs.); (2) short days (10 hrs.) and short nights (10 hrs.); and (3) long days (14 hrs.) and long nights (14 hrs.). The latter treatment also resulted in runner production. Long days (14 hrs.) and short nights (10 hrs.) failed to result in flowers, only runners being produced. Photoperiodic induction was found to occur in the strawberry, flowering being induced by an exposure to 7 or more short-day treatments. Three short-day cycles failed to cause initiation of flowering. Leaves held under short days caused flowers to be produced on plants growing in long-day conditions. The greater the percentage of the plant''s leaf area held under short days, the more pronounced was this effect. Runner plants growing under long days were induced to flower provided they remained attached to a parent plant growing under short days, thus indicating the translocation of a flower-forming stimulus through the runner.

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