The residual effect of winter forcing stress frequently translated to lower yields except with 'Sweet Charlie' slitted plastic cover. Since field setup for winter forced strawberries is too expensive for just winter forcing alone, spring production after forcing is a definite added benefit and a necessity. Since winter forced strawberries are priced sometimes twice the price of spring berries, 'Sweet Charlie' forced into production in winter with cloches has the best economic potential, yet further economic analysis is needed to determine if this yield advantage is offset by the added cost of row covers and labor needs. If spring and winter production is desired, it is suggested that field plantings should include 'Sweet Charlie' covered with cloches for winter forcing and spring production, but conditioned, uncovered 95-172 or other excellent spring producing varieties should be planted for highest spring yields. Expecting winter forced 'Sweet Charlie' plants to produce high spring yields is not reasonable at this point, yet the added bonus of more spring berries from these forced plants would supplement the spring yield from conditioned, uncovered 95-172 or other spring varieties.
Future research needs to determine ways to increase the yield and size of forced strawberries.
It is felt that earlier transplanting in late summer would increase the number of crowns per plant and hence increase winter yields. This approach will be taken in 2000.