Strawberries can bloom and bear fruit only if they form flower buds. Flower buds are formed on the basis of leaf buds. The process of changing the physiological state and shape of leaf buds into flower buds is called flower bud differentiation. The number and quality of flower bud differentiation is one of the main factors affecting strawberry yield.

Factors Affecting Strawberry Flower Bud Differentiation

Flower bud differentiation is related to the robustness of the plant's growth, the time of sunlight, temperature, nutrition level, and growth regulators.

1. Quality, size and source of strawberry seedlings

The quality, size and different sources of strawberry seedlings directly affect the quantity and quality of flower bud differentiation. The better the quality of seedling development, the better the quantity and quality of flower bud differentiation.

Seedling age is an important factor to feel the effects of low temperature and short days, and has an important effect on the process of flower bud differentiation. The older the mother plant is, the older the plant is, and the growth potential is weakened, which cannot promote the early formation of flower bud differentiation.

2. Plant nutrients

The nutritional status of plants is closely related to the formation of flower buds. During flower bud differentiation, sufficient carbohydrates, proper nitrogen nutrition, and high carbon-to-nitrogen ratio are conducive to flower bud differentiation; low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio leads to late flower bud differentiation.

The strong seedlings had earlier flower bud differentiation stage than the weak ones, and the number of small flowers also increased. Too much nitrogen, strong vegetative growth, is not conducive to flower bud differentiation.

3. Plant environmental factors

Temperature and sunlight are the main environmental factors affecting strawberry flower bud differentiation, and their interaction has a very significant effect on the flower bud differentiation process.

It is worth noting that the conditions for strawberry flower bud differentiation and flower bud development are opposite. The conditions for flower bud differentiation are low temperature and short daylight, while flower bud development requires high temperature and long daylight. Therefore, when the flower buds are differentiated, the temperature and light must be changed to facilitate the development of flower buds.

4. Plant growth regulator

Growth regulators also affect flower bud differentiation. Gibberellin inhibits flower bud differentiation. Flower buds do not differentiate after treatment at concentrations above 50 ppm. Abscisic acidcan promote strawberry flower bud differentiation. Spraying Paclobutrazol at the seedling stage can promote flower bud formation.

5. Plant ction management

Ction management has a great influence on flower bud differentiation, and flower bud differentiation can be regulated from several aspects, such as seedling ction, planting, and soil and water management.

6. Nursery

Shading or short-day treatment can reduce the light intensity, thereby reducing the temperature and promoting flower bud differentiation.

Root cutting and old leaf picking can control the nitrogen uptake by the root system, promote flower bud differentiation, and make flower bud differentiation uniform.

Nutrient bowl nursery can play the role of root cutting, controlling nitrogen nutrition and promoting flower bud differentiation.

7. Planting and delayed seedling management

Different planting periods also have an effect on flower bud differentiation. Generally, it is most suitable to choose to plant in the evening or cloudy on the first half of September.

Zhengzhou Delong Chemical CO., Ltd. is the production base of plant growth regulators in China, which established in 2009, specializing in offering plant protection products. If you have any question, contact us any time.