Effects of a rare sugar D-tagatose on timing of flower bud appearance and yield of strawberry in forced culture were investigated. D-tagatose was added in nutrient solution and poured weekly. Different concentrations (1 mM or 5 mM) of D-tagatose and durations of treatment (adding four times before planting or adding continuously before and after planting) were compared. Addition of D-tagatose to nutrient solution before planting tended to promote bud appearance and advance harvest time, and thus increase yield. However, continuous application of 1 mM D-tagatose after planting tend to delayed flower bud appearance, and continuous application of 5 mM D-tagatose after planting inhibited flower bud appearance. These effects of D-tagatose on flowering of strawberry were similar to the action of short day length. However, unlike short-day treatment or dark treatment, D-tagatose application before planting has the potential to induce flower buds, without consumption and dwarfing of the plant.

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