Response of three strawberry cultivars (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) to different salinity levels in irrigation water

Abstract

Irrigation with saline waters is an agricultural practice that becomes increasingly common as competition for fresh water increases. In this study, three strawberry cultivars (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) were tested for their salt tolerance. For this purpose, five salinity levels in water with electrical conductivities (EC<sub>i</sub>) of 1.1, 1.6, 2.1, 2.5, 2.9 dS/m and river water as control (0.5 dS/m) were used in a randomised design with four replications. Percent leaf damage at two dates and accumulation of salts in soil were determined for each cultivar. Considering the results, Maraline is the most tolerant to salinity. Severe effects of salt on Muir and Tudla growth were observed even at EC<sub>i</sub> 1.1 dS/m. The higher the level of EC<sub>i</sub> of irrigation water, the higher the soil EC<sub>e</sub> produced. In general, the highest soil EC<sub>e</sub>’s were produced by Muir followed by Tudla experiment.