Evaluation of yield, biochemical characteristics and nutrient composition of ‘Camarosa’ strawberry in response to different K/N ratios

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Yousefi, Samaneh^a | Eshghi, Saeid^{a; *} | Jamali, Babak^{b; *}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Horticultural Science, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran | [b] Department of Agriculture, Minab Higher Education Center, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Saeid Eshghi, Department of Horticultural Science, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. Tel.: +98 9173165306, Fax: +98 7132276907; E-mail: eshghi@shirazu.ac.ir and Babak Jamali, Department of Agriculture, Minab Higher Education Center, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran. Tel.: +98 917313471; Fax: +98 7642284665; E-mail: babakjamali@hormozgan.ac.ir.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:The normal growth and yield of strawberry plant are affected by lack of balanced fertilization. OBJECTIVE:This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different N/K ratios of nutrient solution on yield, some biochemical characteristics, macro-, and micronutrient concentrations, absorption, and translocation factor in strawberry ‘Camarosa’. METHODS:Three concentration levels of K (200, 250, and 300 mg l–1, using KNO3, KCl, and K2SO4) and two concentration levels of N (120 and 180 mg l–1, using NH4H2PO4, Ca(NO3)2, and KNO3) were applied during two vegetative and reproductive growth stages. RESULTS:The results showed that the highest productivity (149.05 g/plant), soluble sugars, and starch content were obtained from plants which had received a K/N ratio of 200/180 and 300/120 mg l–1 during the vegetative and reproductive stages, respectively. Plants treated with the highest K and N concentrations (300 and 180 mg l–1, respectively) during the vegetative and reproductive stages had the highest leaf area, photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), as well as shoot and root dry weight. High N and low K concentration in the nutrient solution increased concentrations of N, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn while decreased K and Fe concentrations. In addition, higher N levels increased the uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn. At a K/N ratio of 200/120 mg l–1, the translocation factor of N decreased, while the translocation factor of K and Mg increased. CONCLUSION:In conclusion, the changes in the K/N ratio significantly affected the concentration of nutrient elements, absorption and translocation factor.

Keywords: Fragaria ananassa, potassium, nitrogen, nutrients balance, productivity

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-220056

Journal: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 95-106, 2023