Influence of electrical conductivity of nutrient solution on growth, development, and quality parameters of open field-grown strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) in soilless cultivation

This research was conducted with the objective of cultivating two strawberry cultivars under soilless conditions in an open field and examining the influence of varying electrical conductivity (EC) levels in the nutrient solution. The experiment employed a factorial design based on a randomized complete block design with four replications, considering two cultivars (Albion and Aromas) and three EC levels: ۰.۶۵, ۱.۳, and ۱.۹۵ (dS/m). Throughout the experiment, we assessed a range of developmental, qualitative, and biochemical traits of strawberries under the various treatment conditions. The results indicated that the majority of the traits examined were significantly affected by both the cultivar type and the concentration of the nutrient solution (EC). Notably, the Aromas variety exhibited the highest fruit yield per plant, recording ۳۱۴.۰۱ grams. Furthermore, among the different EC levels tested, ۱.۳ (dS/m) demonstrated superior effects on the growth, biochemical composition, and performance indicators of both strawberry cultivars. An increase in EC from ۱.۳ to ۱.۹ (dS/m) resulted in decreased values for several indicators, including leaf surface area (۷۵% reduction), leaf dry weight (۳۱.۵% reduction), fruit shelf life (۱۹% reduction), chlorophyll index (۹% reduction), relative leaf juice content (۱۴% reduction), vitamin C content (۴% reduction), and a substantial ۲۸% reduction in anthocyanin content. Conversely, ion leakage, dissolved solids, and proline content increased by ۱۰%, ۲۱%, and ۲۴%, respectively, at the highest nutrient solution concentration (EC: ۱.۹ dS/m) compared to the concentration of ۱.۳ (dS/m). In conclusion, the results of this experiment highlight the significance of maintaining an EC concentration of ۱.۳ (dS/m) as the optimal nutrient solution concentration for soilless cultivation in an open field. This concentration substantially influenced both the yield and quality of strawberries produced in this particular agricultural system.

Keywords:

Dehydration , Hydroponic , Open Field , Strawberry , Yield , توت فرنگی , عملکرد , فضای آزاد , کم آبی , هایدروپونیک