EFFECT OF TRANSPLANT SOURCE ON STRAWBERRY FRUIT PRODUCTION IN FLORIDA

'Sweet Charlie', 'Oso Grande', and 'Seascape' strawberry (Fragaria x a nanassa, Duch.) transplants were obtained from nurseries in Florida an d southern Canada and set into fruit-production plots in October durin g 2 seasons. Canadian-grown transplants were the first to begin fruit production and had higher yields than Florida-grown transplants during December each season. The first season, 'Sweet Charlie' transplants f rom Canada gave greater seasonal yields than 'Sweet Charlie' transplan ts from Florida, yet Florida 'Seascape' transplants outyielded Canadia n-grown transplants. Fruit from Florida-grown transplants generally ha d higher average fruit weight. Transplant source did not significantly affect cull fruit yield or percent marketable fruit, Except for 'Seas cape' in 1992-93 and 'Oso Grande' in 1993-94, the Canadian plants gave higher gross income before expenses were deducted. Data indicate that yield and cash return differences due to source can be expected to va ry with the season.