THE EFFECT OF PLANTING DATE ON THE YIELD AND VEGETATIVE GROWTH CHARACTERS OF THE STRAWBERRY IN SULAYMANI REGION

Abstract

This research was implemented in the fields  of Bakrajo Technical Agricultural Institute /Sulaymani governorate during  winter season 2011/2012 . Hapil cultivar of strawberry which is well known in the area used in this research with six planting dates ,with 15 days interval , starting from Dec.10/2011 until  Feb.25/2012 respectively in addition to control treatment (planting in the nursery). RCBD  was used in three replications .Each plot involved 20 plants , data were recorded from five plants randomly for each experimental units.      Data analysis  and LSD test at %5 level were  achieved . The results showed after the fruits ripening and that have been harvested starting from  April 282012  And with fifteen picking until  May 30-2012,that the planting date Dec.10-2011 and Feb.10 -2012 gave earlier and more fruits compared with the others . The mean number  of leaves were 24.22 and 21.5 leaves/plant during Feb.10-2012 and Jan.15-2012 respectively.      The mean number of flowers were 8.33 and 6.63 flowers/plant during Feb.10-2012 and Dec.10-2011 plant dates respectively. The mean number of  lateral shots  were higher in the three planting times Feb.25,10,2012 and Jan.102012 with mean 4.80,4.87 and 4.90 shots/plant . The mean number were 6.84 and 6.6 during Feb.10-2012 and Jan. 25-2012 respectively  ,The mean length of leaf petioles  were 11.43 and 10.10 centimetres during Dec.10-2011 and Feb.102012 planting dates respectively.