EFFECT OF PLANTING DISTANCE OF CERTAIN CULTIVARS ON INCIDENCE OF ROOT AND CROWN ROT DISEASES IN STRAWBERRY NURSERIES.

The effect of planting distances on the development of root and crown rot diseases of strawberry in the transplanting nursery was studied in two successive seasons of 2015 and 2016. Three Super Elite mother plants of Festival, Florida and Sweet Charlie were tested. Seven Planting distances (0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2.1, 2.4 m) were used between mother plants. The first three planting distances (0.6, 0.9, 1.2 m) were the standard distances used by strawberry growers in the commercial nurseries. The rest of planting distances (1.5, 1.8, 2.1, 2.4 m) represented the suggested modified distances. The obtained results showed a considerable amount of reduction (%) on root and crown rot diseases on the produced transplants of the modified planting distances. The modification of planting distances in strawberry nurseries could be used as one of banned methyl bromide alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]