Evaluation of Strawberry Cultivars in Virginia

On-farm studies in the southeast district of Virginia were conducted in the 2013–14 growing season, to identify strawberry cultivars that provide high yield and flavor compared to the current widely-grown cultivars, Chandler, Camarosa, and Sweet Charlie. At three grower sites, one each in the cities of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, and one in Westmoreland County, 12 cultivars in three replicates were evaluated in a randomized complete-block design. Each replicate comprised of 12 to 30 plants, depending on cultivar and site. Sites were maintained as per commercial grower practices. Data was collected on plant stand count, season fruit yields, berry sweetness, and fruit size. ‘Camino Real’ and ‘Benicia’ can offer yield potential similar to ‘Chandler’ and ‘Camarosa’ in annual plasticulture production. ‘Camino Real’ produced large berries at all locations and ‘Albion’ produced large berries at two of the three locations. The sweetest cultivars were ‘Flavorfest’, ‘Albion’, and ‘Sweet Charlie’.