Effect of substrates and chilling requirement n quantitative and qualitative attributes of three strawberries cultivars

Document Type : Full Paper

Authors

University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Sari, Iran

Abstract

Soilless culture systems of strawberry production are increasing. Yield and fruit quality are not only affected by growing media but also by chilling and horticultural managements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different growing media and chilling on vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality of three strawberry cultivars. The experiment was conducted in factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Treatments were growing media (Complex lignin, Premix and Coco peat), chilling treatments (without chilling and chilling at 4˚C for two weeks) and three strawberry cultivars (Paros, Camarosa and Selva). Results indicated that the yield was higher in Coco peat medium and lowest in Complex lignin. Chilling treatment increased yield but decreased anthocyanin contents and vegetative growth, indices such as biomass, leaf number and crown number. 'Camarosa' showed the highest yield among three cultivars. The highest yield was observed in Coco peat medium. There was no significant taste difference index between 'Camarosa' and 'Selva'. However, it was lower in 'Paros'.

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