Studies on Growth and Flowering Attributes of Different Strawberry Cultivars (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) in Himachal Pradesh

Fifteen strawberry cultivars were evaluated at the Strawberry Germplasm Block of University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan for various growth and flowering traits. Results revealed that cultivar 'Dana' exhibited highest plant height (26.03 cm), 'Chandler' exhibited maximum plant spread (44.777 cm) and 'Selva' maximum number of leaves per plant (17.2'1) and leaf area (80.41cm2).The maximum number of runners were produced in cultivars Etna (22.47) followed by Fern (21.67), Howard (21.42), Brighton (20.67) and Chandler (19.83) etc. Cultivars Pajaro, Howard, Catskill, Tioga, Dana and Chandler were earliest in flowering. On the overall basis cultivar Chandler was rated to be the most promising under mid hills of Himachal Pradesh based upon various growth and flowering attributes.