Growth and Production of Several Varieties of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) in Dutch Bucket and Drip Irrigation Hydroponic Systems in the Lowlands

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) is a fruit that many enjoy due to its high nutritional value and potential benefits. However, research on the growth and production of strawberries in lowland areas using greenhouses is limited. This study aims to identify the optimal growth and production of several strawberry varieties in a hydroponic system in lowland conditions. The research was conducted at the Smart Farming Greenhouse Alfa UG Technopark Zone from December 2024 to April 2025, using a complete group with a nested design. The experiment included the Dutch bucket hydroponic system (H1) and drip irrigation (H2). For the second factor, four strawberry varieties were examined: the Sagahonoka (S1), Sweet Charlie (S2), Red Giant (S3), and Earlibrite (S4). Data analysis was carried out using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the α = 5% level. Results indicated that both the dutch bucket and drip irrigation hydroponic systems influenced the vegetative phase (including plant height, number of compound leaves, total leaf count, and leaf area) as well as the generative phase (including number of stolons, flowering age, flower count, and sweetness levels). All four varieties—Sagahonoka (S1), Sweet Charlie (S2), Red Giant (S3), and Earlibrite (S4)—adapted well to the conditions. The best-performing varieties for the Dutch bucket system were Sagahonoka, Sweet Charlie, and Earlibrite. In contrast, the Earlibrite variety was the most suitable for the drip irrigation system.