Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science

Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science

Using vermicompost and fall fertilization for improving quality characteristics of strawberry cv. Camarosa (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv. Camarosa) in soilless culture

Document Type : Full Paper

Authors
Samira Bidaki 1
Vida Chalavi 2
Hemmatollah Pirdashti 3
1 Former Graduate Student, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran
2 Assistant Professors, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran
3 Associate Professor, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Genetics and Agriculture Biotechnology Institute of Tabarestan
10.22059/ijhs.2014.52868
Abstract
The use of vermicompost and fall fertilization in soilless culture on strawberry cv. Camarosa quality characteristics was evaluated in a factorial based on completely randomized design pot experiment with 5 replicates. Experimental treatments were four chemical fertilization timings (no fertilizer, using fertilizer at fall, spring, fall + spring) and three levels of vermicompost (10, 20 and 40% v/v), three levels of cattle manure (10, 20 and 40% v/v) and control medium (50% peat: 50% perlite). The total number of pots in this experiment was 140. The results showed the highest total soluble solids (TDS), 13.35%, and titratable acidity, 8.54%, on growing medium containing 10% cattle manure with spring fertilization. Likewise, the highest fruit firmness (0.43 kg/cm2) was observed in growing medium containing 10% cattle manure with fall + spring fertilization. The total antioxidant activity was obtained using the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The total antioxidant capacity was increased in medium containing 10% vermicompost with spring fertilization, 20% cattle manure with fall fertilization and 40% cattle manure without fertilization (95.18, 95.34, and 95.47%), respectively. The highest anthocyanin (18.84 mg/l) was produced in growing medium containing 40% vermicompost with fall fertilization. It can be concluded that an appropriate choice of growing media and fertilization timing can alter different qualities of strawberry fruits according to production goal and type of consumption. The finding of present study showed that the selection of right growing media and fertilization timings could improve strawberry fruit quality.
Keywords
strawberry
vermicompost
fertilization timings
Manure
Soilless culture
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Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science
Volume 45, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
Winter 2014
Pages 235-244

  • Receive Date 02 January 2013
  • Revise Date 21 February 2015
  • Accept Date 30 June 2013