Evaluating Supplementary Nutrients to Improve Strawberry Fruit Quality and Yield

Abstract

A field study was conducted in a randomized complete block design over two growing seasons. The objective was to evaluate the effect of supplementary nutrients, in addition to standard fertigation practices, on fruit yield and quality for annual plasticulture strawberry production. First season treatments included i) a root applied secondary macro and micronutrient mix (0-0-0) + foliar applied nutrient (6-4-3) ii) foliar applied nutrient (6-4-3) and iii) nontreated control. Additional treatments in the second season included root applied micronutrient mix alone, and a foliar nutrient application of an OMRI certified cold-processed sweetener. Treatments were replicated four times using ‘Chandler’ strawberry. Plugs in the root applied treatment were lightly dusted with the nutrient powder just before transplanting. Foliar nutrient was first sprayed at 30% bloom and every 7 to 14 days as frequent harvesting began. There were no significant differences among treatments for yield, fruit size, firmness or total soluble solids content.