Growth, yield and quality of strawberry as affected by fertilizer N rate and biofertilizers inoculation under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

Balanced plant nutrition is vital to increase crop yield and reduce costs of cultivation. This study tried to verify the influence of Nitrogen (N) in combination with biofertilizers on plant growth, yield and the quality of strawberry grown under greenhouse at the research farm of the Department of Horticulture, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCS HAU) Hisar, Haryana (India). The treatments involved four fertilizer N rates of 0, 80, 100 and 120% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) plant−1 and two biofertilizers (Azospirillum and Azotobactor) inoculation, in a complete randomized design with five replications. Application 100% RDN per plant was significantly correlated with the maximum plant growth and yield characters, which was the main determinant of yield of strawberry. The maximum fruit yield (288.15 and 318.62 g/plant) was observed under 100% RDN, with increasing N rate, the yield was decreased during both the years of study. Fruits with maximum total soluble sugars (TSS), anthocyanin content and lower acidity were noted with the application of 120% RDN, while the maximum ascorbic acid content was estimated in fruits harvested from the plants were supplied with 100% RDN. Furthermore, biofertilizers had a significant effect on growth, yield and berry quality of strawberry and plants inoculated with Azotobacter, recorded maximum growth and yield attributes. As quality concerned plants inoculated with Azotobacter beared fruits recorded maximum values for quality parameters during the year 2017–18 and 2018–19. The combined application of Azotobacter along with 100% RDN showed better results in terms of all growth, yield and quality parameters, which was statistically at par with Azospirillum + 100% RDN during both the years. The study revealed that, N recommendation at a rate of 100% RDN per plant along with Azotobacter, Azospirillium inoculation suggested for sustainable strawberry production in this greenhouse conditions.