Improved crop yields are obtained by determining total dissolved solids (TDS) in a representative sample of transplants to determine strike rate as a logarithmic function of TDS before transplanting. Juvenile plants with high strike rate readings are transplanted. A refractometer having a logarithmic scale showing low, medium, and high strike rates as a direct readout from a juice sample is used. A bioregulator can be used to induce high TDS levels prior to transplanting. Particular application is to transplanting strawberry runners.
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/362,565, filed Feb. 28, 1995, now abandoned, which is a 371 of PCT/AU93/00322 filed Jul. 1, 1993.
