Impact of benzyladenine and gibberellic acid on quality and economics of runner production in Chandler strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) under subtropical climate

An experiment was conducted to study the impact of plant bioregulators on quality and economics of runner production in Chandler strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivar under subtropical climatic conditions. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with 16 treatments and each treatment replicated thrice. The results revealed that the application of plant growth regulators enhanced the runner production in strawberry. Among all the treatments, the treatment GA3 100 ppm recorded maximum plant height per runner (10.88 cm), petiole length (10.70 cm) and root length (5.90 cm). The treatment of GA3 at 300 ppm + BA at 150 ppm was found superior than other treatments for producing maximum runners/mother plant (13.53), number of train/mother plant (4.10), number of runner/train (3.30), plant spread/runner (10.83cm), and number of leaves/runner plants (7.29). This treatment also gave highest cost benefit ratio (1:2.85) as compared to other treatments. However, control plants recorded maximum crown diameter (6.92 mm), crown weight (0.66 g) and leaf area (16.57).