Multivariate analysis of strawberry experiments: where are we now and where can we go?

The multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) was used to select superior treatments in experiments with strawberries. Twenty-three productive, qualitative, physiological, and phenological traits with negative and positive desired gains were accessed in 16 treatments, a combination of two cultivars (Albion-neutral days, and Camarosa-short days), two transplants origins (National and Imported), and four organic substrates mixes (Crushed sugarcane bagasse, burnt rice husk, organic substrate, and Carolina commercial substrate). Our results suggest that most of the strawberry traits are influenced by the cultivar, transplant origin, cultivation substrates, as well as by the interaction between cultivar and transplant origin. The MGIDI index indicated that the Albion cultivar originated from imported transplants grown in substrates where the main component (70%) is burnt rice husk provides desired values for 20 of a total of 22 traits, which represents a success rate of ~ 91% in selecting traits with desired values. The strengths and weakness view provided by the MGIDI index revealed that the looking for an ideal treatment should direct the efforts on improving the water efficiency use and reducing total acidy of fruits. On the other hand, the strengths of selected treatments are mainly related to productive precocity, total soluble solids, and flesh firmness. The MGIDI index provides a unique, robust, and easy-to-handle process, standing out as a powerful tool to develop better treatment recommendations for experiments with strawberries when multiple traits are assessed.