Strawberry Yield Research Articles

Longevity-enhancing Effects of Rosmarinic Acid Feeding on Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) after Exposure to Some Pesticides Used in Strawberry Greenhouse

Bee pollination plays important roles in increasing the yield, weight, and quality of strawberries grown in greenhouses. Use of pesticides is often included in the pest management strategy to control insects, fungi and weeds. However, these pesticides can negatively affect bees, compromising greenhouse pollination programs. In this study, we investigate the effect of rosmarinic acid (RA) feeding on the longevity of honey bees after oral and contact exposure of bees to some selected 14 different pesticides and G-3KM (commercial product) was used as a positive control. Among the 14 pesticides tested, six were found to be highly toxic to honey bee workers as indicated by their 48h-LD50 (㎍/bee) values obtained from oral and spray bioassays; thiamethoxam (0.0002/0.0011), dinotefuran (0.005/0.018), emamectin benzoate (0.002/0.0002), spinetoram (0.018/0.001), sulfoxaflor (0.04/0.01), and cyantraniliprole (0.1/0.03), respectively. It was interesting to note that RA and G-3KM-supplemented feeding reduced honey bees mortality by 20-30% after they were exposed to high concentrations of the 6 highly toxic pesticides. The results indicate that RA could be used effectively in reducing honey bee mortality caused by pesticides.

Potting substrate effect on yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) in terrace gardening

Terrace gardening or rooftop gardening is becoming popular in urban and peri-urban areas of metro cities worldwide including in India. Among various crops suitable for growing in terrace garden, strawberry is a popular one as being an important annual herbaceous plant with delicious fruits which can be easily grown in pots or containers including grow bags filled with different pottingsubstrates. In the present study, different combinations of soil, organic manure (vermi-compost and FYM) and cocopeat were tested for growth, yield and physico-chemical characteristics of two strawberry cultivars (Winter Dawn and Sweet Charlie). Winter dawn was found better than Sweet Charlie for measured growth and yield parameters, and potting substrates had similar effect on both the cultivars as no interaction effect was noticed. Combination of Soil + vermi-compost + cocopeat or soil + FYM + cocopeat in equal proportion (1:1:1) was found most appropriate potting substrate for strawberry cultivation, hence suggested as a suitable growing medium for production of strawberries in terrace or rooftop gardening in peri-urban areas of Delhi/ National Capital Territory. Further investigation is needed to standardize cost-effective management agro-techniques of strawberry cultivation in terrace garden involving some other cultivars, nutrient management and environment protective structures and so on

Evaluation of Single-Cropping under Reduced Water Supply in Strawberry Cultivation

Genotype, environment, and cultivation system strongly influence strawberry yield and quality. Specifically, the growth of strawberry plants is dependent on the water supply. Nevertheless, the abuse of water in agriculture is necessitating the choice of the lowest water-consumptive plants. The following study showed the performance of ‘Romina’, ‘Sibilla’, and ‘Cristina’ cultivars, grown in open-field conditions, and treated with three doses of water (W): 100% local standard regime, and 20% (W80) and 40% (W60) reductions. The average amount of water administered for W100, W80, and W60 was 1120 m3 ha−1, 891 m3 ha−1, and 666 m3 ha−1, respectively. The water treatment at W60 negatively affected the plant growth and yield, resulting in reduced plant height, leaf number, leaf length and width, and a minor yield. Instead, fruit quality showed higher values of total soluble solids and titratable acidity. Conversely, plants watered with W80 showed results similar to the control (W100) in terms of development and yield. In conclusion, it is possible to assume that a reduction of water is desirable, guaranteeing economic and environmental gains for farmers.

Effect of Coco-Dust and Gravel Substrate on The Growth and Yield of Strawberry

Strawberry plants were grown in five different mixtures of coco-dust and gravel to compare their influences under glasshouse condition at hydroponics and controlled environment agriculture research facilities of Olericulture division, HRC, BARI, Gazipur during winter season. The experimental design was completely randomized block design with 10 replicated plants/pots. The plants were supplied with 25% ‘Enshi-shoo’ nutrient solution in every alternative day. Strawberry plants were grown in five different mixtures of coco-dust and gravel substrates as T1 (100:0), T2 (75:25), T3 (50:50), T4 (25:75) and T5 (0:100). Results showed that coco-dust and gravel substrate had significant influence on number of leaves, root length and root dry weight. Root length was found to be hampered greatly in plants grown with sole gravel substrate because of its poor moisture holding capacity. Fruit yield per plant was higher in T3 (50:50 of cocodust and gravel) compared to other substrate mixtures. The present study revealed that the growth, yield and fruit qualities were significantly higher in plants grown in 50:50 of coco-dust and gravel compared to their other mixture substrates.
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 45(2): 199-207, June 2020

Efficiency of using Different Organic Manures on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry through Various Planting Media

In recent times application of chemical fertilizers is one of the more concerned topics to sustainable and ecofriendly production. The reduction of cultivable lands day by day is another thoughtful issue. Application of different organic manures is an ecofriendly and safer crop production techniques as well as beneficial for soil health. Planting of strawberry in polybags could be a cheaper way of verticultural production (practice of growing strawberries in vertically stacked layers) and overcome the land deficit problems. Considering the mentioned topics, the present experiment was undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of using different organic manures (cowdung, mustard oil cake, poultry manure) on growth, yield and quality of strawberry through various planting media (Planting of strawberry saplings on soil and polybags). The experiment was conducted at Landscaping Section of the Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from October 2019 to April 2020. Significant variations were observed due to planting media and organic manures on all growth, yield and quality parameters. Highest fruit length (3.43 cm), breadth of fruits (2.54 cm), Total soluble solids (7.44%), total fruit weight per plant (213.88 g) and total yield (12.80 ton.ha-1) were obtained from planting of strawberry plants in polybags in comparison with planting in soil. In case of organic manures superior data of length of fruits (4.27), breadth of fruits (3.21), total soluble solids (8.10%), total fruit weight per plant (272.50) and yield (16.35 ton.ha-1) were found from mixture application of organic manures instead of single applications.

Anthocyanin Extraction Method and Sample Preparation Affect Anthocyanin Yield of Strawberries

Anthocyanins are a group of pigments with antioxidant activities that are present naturally in plants. The role of the pigment in human health and its quantitative analysis has attracted a lot of attention globally. A well-known and accurate method of anthocyanin quantification is based on spectrophotometric methods. However, these methods are subject to interference from impurities and need to be optimized for different plant matrixes and extraction conditions. Two experiments were designed to study (1) the effect of plant preparation methods (eg, fresh, frozen, and freeze-dried puree) on anthocyanin yield and (2) the effect of five anthocyanin extraction methods on anthocyanin yield of freeze-dried strawberry puree. Sample preparation methods did not have any effect on anthocyanin yield. Freeze-dried samples were used for their stability (ease of use and flexibility) to compare extraction methods. The anthocyanin yield was affected by the extraction method. Two methods containing chloroform gave the highest anthocyanin yield. One method with methanol:water:HCl gave intermediate results, and the pH differential and the other method with methanol:water:HCl (80:20:1) gave the lowest anthocyanin yields. Processing time (incubation time) was lowest in the pH differential method; however, the haze produced in this method may interfere with the spectrophotometric assessment of anthocyanins.

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Regimes on Growth Patterns and Antioxidants Capacity of Strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler

Fertilization, either in the form of organic or inorganic, always affects plant growth, yield, and nutritional quality of fruit crops. Further, the efficacy of fertilizers depends on various factors, including the area, climatic conditions, and cultivars. Rawalakot has ideal climatic conditions for growing strawberries. However, no studies related to the impact of different soil amendments on the growth habit and fruit quality of strawberries have been conducted so far. Therefore, in this study, different combinations of organic (farmyard manure (FYM) and poultry manure (PM)) and inorganic (urea) (N 150 kg/ha) fertilizers were used for comparison of growth pattern and postharvest quality of strawberry cv. Chandler. The organic and inorganic fertilizer regimes showed comparatively better results in terms of all the parameters studied. However, plants grown on soils amended with FYM equivalent to 75 kg N per ha + PM equivalent to 75 kg N per ha and FYM equivalent to 50 kg N per ha + PM equivalent to 50 kg N per ha + urea 50 kg N per ha showed 41% and 28% more survival percentage compared to control. Furthermore, the number of leaves, number of flowers, number of fruits, and yield were significantly high in plants grown on amended soil. Moreover, a significantly high amount of total soluble solids (10.0°Brix), titratable acidity (1.18%), ash (0.84%), fiber (3.03%), total phenols (7.61 μg gallic acid/g fresh weight), total flavonoids (7.93 mmol quercetin/100 g fresh weight), and total antioxidants (0.60 activity of FeSO4 mg/g fresh weight) was noted in comparison with control. Similarly, a combined treatment of FYM, PM, and urea also showed good results in terms of all the growth and fruit quality parameters as compared with other fertilizer regimes as well as control. However, the overall results of this study revealed that strawberries grown on soil amended with a combined dose of FYM equivalent to 75 kg N per ha + PM equivalent to 75 kg N per ha could be a potential dose for maximum yield and better quality fruits of strawberry.

Selenium improves the content of vitamin C in the fruit of strawberry by regulating the enzymes responsible for vitamin C metabolism

To investigate how sodium selenite (Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub>) regulated the content of vitamin C (Vc) in strawberry fruit, we explored the effects of Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub> on the enzymes responsible for Vc metabolism. The findings showed that<br /> 10 mg/L Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub> improved the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glutathione reductase (GR), l-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (GalLDH) at periods of young fruit (YFP), small fruit (SFP), middle fruit (MFP), large fruit (LFP), white fruit (WFP), colour-changed fruit (CFP) and ripen fruit (RFP). 30 mg/L Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub> improved the activities of APX, MDHAR, GR and GaILDH at YFP, LFP, WFP, CFP and RFP. 60 mg/L Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub> improved the activities of MDHAR, GR and GaILDH at all periods studied. In addition, 10 mg/L Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub> decreased the activity of ascorbate oxidase (AAO) at WFP and CFP. 30 mg/L Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub> decreased AAO activity at MFP, LFP, WFP and CFP. 60 mg/L Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub> decreased AAO activity at YFP, SFP, MFP, LFP, WFP and CFP. Meanwhile, all concentrations of Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub> significantly increased the contents of Vc and Se. Among different concentrations, 30 mg/L Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub> had better effects on the enzymes responsible for Vc metabolism, which further improved Vc content in strawberry fruit. Besides, all concentrations of Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub> increased fruit average weight, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield, compared with control. The above results indicated that Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub> could improve the content of Vc in fruit and fruit yield of strawberries, especially for 30 mg/L Na<sub>2</sub>SeO<sub>3</sub>.

Crop-local CO2 enrichment improves strawberry yield and fuel use efficiency in protected cultivations

In protected strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivation, CO2 enrichment is essential to enhance both fruit quality and yield. Fuel burning generators are commonly used to supply CO2 to entire commercial greenhouse space. However, methods that are less fuel-based are desired for contemporary agricultural practices. A new crop-local CO2 enrichment system using a modified fuel-burning generator has been developed to increase yields and decrease the fuel required for CO2 enrichment in greenhouse strawberry production. This crop-local CO2 enrichment (CLC) method directly supplies CO2 from perforated tubes set in the interrow space of the plant canopy. The effects of this technique on fruit quality, fruit yield, and fuel use efficiency have been examined in comparison with conventional CO2 enrichment (CC) practices. The CLC method increased CO2 concentration inside the plant canopy by 100–200 μmol mol–1 when compared with CC under the ventilating conditions by a roof window. This resulted in significant increases of approximately 10–26% in the average fruit weight, 13% in the cumulative fruit number, and 22% in cumulative marketable yield when compared to CC. Furthermore, cumulative fuel consumption was approximately 27% lower with the CLC method when compared to CC. These results indicate that CLC improves fuel use efficiency when compared with CC as it increased yields and decreased fuel consumption.

A Comparative Study of Foliar and Soil potassium Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Strawberry Cultivated in Non-Heated Greenhouses

This study has been conducted in the non-heated greenhouse of the of Protected agriculture department of the Bakrajo Technical Institute of -Sulaymaniyah Governorate during winter season of 2019 The purpose of this study to determine the effect of soil fertilization and foliar application of potassium with different rates ( 0 as control , 1.5 , 2.5 and 3.gm/L ) on strawberry cv. Rubygem growth and yield. The parameters recorded were number of leaf per plant, number of flower per plant, number of fruit per plant, weight of fruit (gm), total acidity % of fruit (T.A) and total soluble solid (TSS) of the fruit. According to the results of most of the parameters of this study the foliar application of the fertilizer (K) is better than applying the fertilizer of soil in most parameters. The highest value of number of leaf, flower, fruit and fruit weight gained from potassium in rate 1.5gm/L in both methods. While the highest value of total soluble solid (T.S.S) obtained from 3.5gm/L which was %12.87, and the highest value of T.A was significantly gained from the control which was % 0.51. As regards to interaction between soil and foliar fertilizer, the highest number of leaf was gained from control at foliar application without any significant value with the other rates, and the highest significant value in number of flower was gained from 1.5gm at foliar application. While the highest value of fruit weight was gained from foliar application with 3.5gm and soli fertilizer with 1.5gm of potassium without any significant value between the two treatments which are 21.72gm and 20.12gm successively, and the highest significant value of total acidity was gained from control at foliar application which is %0.54. As regards to total soluble solid the highest significant value was obtained from 3.5gm in soil fertilizer which is %14.25.

Native bacteria for field biocontrol of black root rot in Egyptian strawberry

BackgroundIncreasing cultivation of strawberry in Egypt has boosted efforts to increase its yield. Biocontrol agents (BCAs) may avoid side effects and health risks caused by chemical fungicides used to control black root rot disease in strawberry. Some BCAs control the disease and augment strawberry yield, but additional research is needed to fit BCAs into emerging control strategies. The impact of six bacterial isolates of Paenibacillus polymyxa and Bacillus brevis on this disease and on berry yield is reported and compared to a common chemical fungicide.ResultsThe bacterial isolates reduced the growth of the black root rot causal agents Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia solani, and Macrophomina phaseolina, in dual culture bioassays. The greatest fungal inhibition was caused by P. polymyxa isolates 1 and 2 and B. brevis isolate 2. They suppressed the growth of F. solani, R. solani, and M. phaseolina by more than 74, 76, and 79%, respectively. Disease severity and incidence were significantly reduced on naturally infected strawberry plants in the field by the six isolates. The best results were obtained by the superior bioassay isolates which suppressed the disease incidence by 73, 77, and 71%, and its severity by 72, 78, and 70%, respectively. Disease suppression by bacteria was comparable to that by fungicide Actamyl. Bacteria surpassed Actamyl with regard to strawberry yield and enhancement of peroxidase and chitinase activities in the leaves.ConclusionsThese isolates are potential benign alternatives to fungicides used against black root rot in strawberry in Egypt. More studies are needed to examine their economic use on a wider scale.

Symptomless infection by strawberry virus 1 (StrV‐1) leads to losses in strawberry yields

AbstractHigh‐throughput sequencing has opened up possibilities of detecting new plant pathogens, especially viruses, with relative ease. However, information about biological characteristics and relevance to plant production is usually lacking. Recently, a new strawberry cytorhabdovirus named strawberry virus 1 (StrV‐1) was described and characterized at a molecular level. The virus can be transmitted by aphids and is commonly found in commercial plantations. Here, we studied the impact of a sole StrV‐1 infection on production in two strawberry cultivars—Darselect and Karmen. All plants infected with StrV‐1 remained symptomless during the experiment. In general, Darselect was more resilient to StrV‐1 infection, and the average yield per plant was nonsignificantly lowered by 11.7% over the 2‐year experiment. In contrast, StrV‐1 infection in cultivar Karmen led to a significant yield loss of 31.8%, indicating that the genetic background plays a role. While the average fruit weight and diameter were relatively unaffected, lower yields in infected plants stemmed from a significantly reduced number of inflorescences, by 23.6% and 29.6% in Darselect and Karmen, respectively, which resulted in a reduction in the average number of flowers per plant (decreased by 16.5% and 27.3%, respectively), and hence the number of fruits per plant (by 14.5% and 27.6%, respectively). The StrV‐1 load was higher in spring than in autumn, and generally higher in the second year after infection, which corresponded to higher losses in the second harvest, especially in cultivar Karmen.

Phytoprotective film for resistance induction, growth, and yield of organic strawberries

The objective of this work was to evaluate a phytoprotective film of chitosan-pyroligneous extract in promoting growth, productivity, induction of systemic resistance in strawberry cultivars managed in an organic production system. Treatments consisted of rates (0, 25, 50, and 100 mL L-1) of Chi-Pyro-Film and a reference resistance inducer (dipotassium hydrogen phosphate - K2HPO4), evaluated in three strawberry cultivars ('Albion', 'San Andreas' and 'Portola'). Growth, yield, anthracnose incidence, and enzymatic activity were evaluated. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replications. Chi-Pyro-Film increases the growth, yield, and anthracnose resistance of strawberry plants. The best concentration of Chi-Pyro-Film varies between 50 and 60 mL L-1, according to strawberry cultivar.

Effects of CO2 Enrichment on Yield, Photosynthetic Rate, Translocation and Distribution of Photoassimilates in Strawberry ‘Sagahonoka’

The method of automatically controlling the CO2 concentration in a greenhouse depending on ventilation was examined in order to efficiently improve the productivity of strawberries under the weather conditions in the northern part of Kyushu in Japan. The effects of CO2 enrichment on the yields, fruit Brix, and economic value of the strawberry ‘Sagahonoka’ were investigated. In addition, in order to clarify the physiological response of ‘Sagahonoka’ to the CO2 concentration, the photosynthetic rate, translocation, and photoassimilate distribution rate were measured. It was found that maintaining the CO2 concentrations above 800 μmol mol−1 and 400 μmol mol−1 during no ventilation and ventilation, respectively, resulted in 25% increases in marketable fruit yields and a 0.2–1.2% higher fruit Brix compared to control, which was kept in 400 μmol mol−1 CO2 or above all day regardless of ventilation. Additionally, the economic value of ‘Sagahonoka’ was increased. The photosynthetic rate of ‘Sagahonoka’ increased linearly up to 800 μmol mol−1 CO2, and high CO2 concentrations affected the distribution for the primary fruit, the most significant sink. It was clarified that CO2 enrichment at 800 μmol mol−1 for ‘Sagahonoka’ was effective in increasing the photosynthetic rate and distribution of photoassimilates to fruits, and the yields of strawberries could be increased efficiently by automatically controlling the CO2 concentration depending on ventilation in a southern region of Japan.

Humic substances and rhizobacteria enhance the yield, physiology and quality of strawberries

The strawberry fruit (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is appreciated for its aroma, color, texture and nutritional value. In conventional agriculture, the use of fertilizers damages the environment since it causes loss of soil fertility, salinity and its erosion, hence production alternatives, without harming the environment, are sought. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a biostimulant based on humic substances and rhizobacteria, on the production and quality of the strawberry cultivar ‘San Andreas’. Strawberry plants cultivar ‘San Andreas’ were treated with fulvic acids + mixture of microorganisms, humic acids + Pseudomonas fluorescens, fulvic acids + Azospirillum brasilense, fulvic acids + Pseudomonas fluorescens and the mixture AH and AF + Azospirillum brasilense with two doses (d1, d2) in total 10 treatments were applied plus the control. Humic substances were applied every 15 days and rhizobacteria every 30 days. The results showed that the AFyAzoz d1 increased over control plants, the number of leaves in 38.3%, root volume in 42.6%, the fresh weight in 130% and dry weight in 63.8%, the number of fruits 50.0% and the yield in 59.5%. The AFyPF d1 favored Photosynthesis in 127.3%; AFyPF d1 increased TSS in 25%, AFyPF d2 vitamin C in 17.1% and MHyF + Azoz d1 increased in 20% the content of Phenols. Humic substances plus rhizobacteria are an ecological alternative to be used as biostimulant in the production and quality of strawberry plants.

Assessment of the impact of irrigation with treated wastewater at different dilutions on growth, quality parameters and contamination transfer in strawberry fruits and soil: Health risk assessment

Industrial treated wastewater (TWW) could be an attractive alternative fto fresh water use in agriculture due to the shortage in water resource especially in the Mediterranean region. Furthermore, TWW could represent an efficient substitute for crop production thanks to its high load in nutrient. However, its high content of salts or mineral as well as organic pollutants can affect the crop safety, productivity and growth. A simple way to reduce the amount of chloride and salinity could be the dilution. In this study the irrigation of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa cv Camarosa) using diluted TWW at three dilution ratios; D60 (40% TWW) D40 and D20 was performed and compared with the well water (WW) used as control. The use of TWW for the irrigation of strawberry plants was done for the first time in the city of Sfax located in the southeast of Tunisia.D20 registered the lowest strawberry yield and highest heavy metal contents in fruits compared to the other dilutions. Also, this dilution showed a toxic effect of high accumulation of chlorine, salts and metals by the apparition of brown edges in the leaves. However, D60 recorded the lowest soil salinity, the high plant growth and strawberry yield compared to the WW irrigated plants and showed lowest metal contents in soil, plants and fruits compared to other dilutions. Our study suggests the use of 60% diluted TWW for the irrigation of strawberry in order to obtain fruits matching international safety and quality standards.

Control of Fungal Diseases and Fruit Yield Improvement of Strawberry Using Bacillus velezensis CE 100.

Due to the increasing health and environmental risks associated with the use of fungicides in agriculture, alternatives—such as using plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) to suppress phytopathogens—that simultaneously improve plant yield, are important. This study evaluated the biocontrol efficiency of Bacillus velezensis CE100 against Macrophomina phaseolina and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae, the respective causal agents for charcoal rot and fusarium wilt diseases in strawberry, and its potential to enhance strawberry growth and fruit production. B. velezensis CE 100 produced fungal cell wall-degrading enzymes, chitinases, and β-1,3-glucanases; and inhibited the mycelial growth of M. phaseolina and F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae by 64.7% and 55.2%, respectively. The mycelia of both phytopathogenic fungi showed severe swelling and rupturing of the hyphae compared to the smooth, normal growth in the control group. Moreover, B. velezensis CE100 produced up to 2.8 units/mL of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) during incubation and enhanced root biomass in strawberries. Consequently, B. velezensis CE 100 not only increased the fruit yield of strawberries by controlling the fungal diseases but also through enhancing plant growth. The findings of this study indicate that B. velezensis CE100 could be a safe, ecofriendly biocontrol alternative to chemical fungicides in strawberry production.

Global Warming Potential of Organic Strawberry Production under Unheated High Tunnels in Kentucky, USA

The global warming potential (GWP) of organic strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) grown under high tunnels in Kentucky, USA, was assessed using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The site, part of the Berea College Farm, had been under organic crop management for two decades. The GWP was calculated as 0.57 kg CO2-eq per kg of strawberries with the combined impact of the aluminum and plastic manufacturing accounting for 44% of the total and the direct production activities, including labor, accounting for another 28%. The average yields of 18,990 kg/ha of fresh fruit over the two years (2020–2021) were comparable to those typically reported in the southeastern USA for conventional production, but opportunities to increase strawberry yields in high tunnels without increasing inputs should be explored to reduce the GWP. Future research should also measure the GWP of production in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) systems, particularly plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs), to compare the greenhouse gas emissions of strawberries grown with these technologies to those produced using the simple, high-tunnel method.

Effect of plant growth regulators and mulches on growth and yield of strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch.) Cv. Chandler

A field experiment was undertaken at B.B.A. University, Lucknow (U.P.) during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 to study the effect of plant growth regulators and mulches on growth and yield of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seventeen treatments and three replications. The results revealed that the different plant growth regulators and mulches affect on growth and yield of strawberry. Maximum plant height (24.4cm), number of leaves per plant (28.5), length of leaves (9.4cm) and length of the petiole (12.4cm).number of flower per plant (30.1), number of fruit per plant (24.1) and fruit weight per berry (13.6g) were recorded with GA3 75ppm + black polyethylene. On the other hand, minimum values of these parameters were recorded in treatment Control. The minimum days taken to produce the first flower (31.3days), days taken to 50% flowering (43.0days) were recorded with NAA 20ppm +black polyethylene, and the maximum days recorded with treatment control.

Effect of organic sources of nutrients on growth, yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch.) CV. Winter Dawn

The Experiment “Effect of an organic source of nutrients on growth yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn” was carried out during the year 2021-2022 in the Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology & Sciences Prayagraj in November 2021 to March 2022. The result revealed that treatment T8 FYM (7.5t/ha) + Vermicompost (3.18t/ha) + PSB(5kg/ha) + Azotobacter (5kg/ha) was found to be best in terms of maximum plant height (14.26 cm), plant spread (23.8 cm), number of leaves per plant (9.58), number of days to first flowering (68.33), number of flower per plant (22.8), number of days taken to first fruit set (5.63), Number of fruit per plant (18.3), Fruit yield per plant (504.44g), fruit yield (45.3 t ha-1), Vitamin C (87.94 mg/100g, acidity (0.33%), Total soluble solids (12.41°Brix)