Effect of Pre-harvest Application of Benzyladenine and Phytoncide Nanoemulsion on Vegetative and Reproductive Characteristics of the Strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch. 'Albion') and Marketability of the Fruit

Document Type : Full Paper

Authors

1 Department of Horticultural Science and Agronomy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

Abstract

In order to investigate the effect of benzyladenine and a kind of natural phytoncide on various quantitative and qualitative traits related to the marketing value of the strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) plant a factorial experiment, based on a randomized complete block design was carried out with three replications in the Albion greenhouse, located in Damavand county. The first factor was benzyladenine (6-BAP) at two levels (0 and 100 mg/l) and the second, phytoncide nanoemulsion (PNE) at three levels (0, 0.75% and 1.5%). Young plants were sprayed twice with 6-BAP during the vegetative growth phase and thrice during the reproductive phase with PNE, which was comprised of the essential oils of Pinus nigra and Picea spp. Application of 6-BAP during the vegetative stage resulted in production of more leaves and higher leaf area. Also, 6-BAP increased crown diameter significantly, compared to control plants, and had a positive effect on all the studied traits at the reproductive stage, as well. This kind of cytokinin improved taste and other quality attributes of the fruits, along with plant yield. PNE was effective on increasing the fruit firmness and longevity. Furthermore, it had a significant effect on delaying the fruit weight loss and maintaining the appearance quality of the fruits for a longer time. Based on the results, taking advantage of 6-BAP and the studied PNE during pre-harvest phase is recommended for improving strawberry fruit characteristics.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Extended Abstract

Introduction

  Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is one of the most delicious and nourishing fruits of the world, with the highest production among other berries. Several factors influence the consumers' choice of strawberry fruit, including size, flavor, flesh firmness, and fruit color. Nowadays, the use of plant growth regulators is an efficient tool for improving the quantitative and qualitative properties of edible products, and if appropriate concentration is used brings great economic benefits to growers. Improving the quality of the fruit helps to increase the shelf life of the product. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of essential oils with phytoncide properties, against plant pathogens has been proven in various plant species. Most studies to date have examined the effects of phytoncide essential oils on post-harvest period and under laboratory conditions, while pre-harvest treatment of the plant is an effective strategy in controlling post-harvest diseases of strawberries. 

Material and methods

    The current study aimed to investigate the pre-harvest application of a plant growth regulator named benzyladenine and a kind of natural phytoncide on various quantitative and qualitative traits related to the marketing value of strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) plant. Unlike most of the previous researches, this study examines the effect of phytoncide nanoemulsion use during the crop production period. A factorial experiment, based on randomized complete block design was carried out with three replications in the Albion greenhouse, located in Damavand county. The first factor was benzyladenine (6-BAP) at two levels (0 and 100 mg/l) and the second, phytoncide nanoemulsion (PNE) at three levels (0, %0.75 and %1.5). Young plants were sprayed twice with 30 ml 6-BAP during the vegetative growth phase. The first time was 21 days after transferring the runners to grow bags, and the second 7 days later. Moreover, they were later sprayed thrice with PNE, which was comprised of the essential oils of Pinus nigra and Picea spp., during the reproductive phase at the stages of small green, big green and completely red fruits.

Results and discussion

     Application of 6-BAP during the vegetative stage, resulted in production of more leaves and higher leaf area. Also, 6-BAP increased crown diameter significantly, compared to control plants, and had a positive effect on all the studied traits at the reproductive stage, as well. This kind of cytokinin improved taste and other quality attributes of the fruits, along with plant yield. PNE was effective on increasing the fruit firmness and longevity. Furthermore, it had a significant effect on delaying the fruit weight loss and maintaining the appearance quality of the fruits for a longer time. However, there was no significant difference between the two tested concentrations of phytoncide in relation to the investigated traits.

 Conclusion

    Based on the results, taking advantage of 6-BAP and the studied PNE during pre-harvest phase is recommended for improving various characteristics of strawberry fruit and extending its post-harvest life.

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Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science
Volume 54, Issue 1
April 2023
Pages 137-156

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History

  • Receive Date: 16 October 2022
  • Revise Date: 06 March 2023
  • Accept Date: 11 March 2023

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