The effect of biofertilizer and nitrogen rates on quantitative and qualitative properties of strawberry cultivar 'Paros'

Abstract

In order to investigate the effect of EM (Effective Microorganisms) application and various nitrogen levels on qualitative and quantitative traits of strawberry cultivar 'Paros'. The layout of the experiment was based on randomized complete block with three replications. The research was conducted in an experimental planting of strawberry cv. 'Paros' at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, during 2014-2015. EM was used at four rates (0, 1, 2, and 3%) in two ways (soil and foliar application) and nitrogen was used in three rates (50, 100 and 150 kg*ha-1 soil application). Leaf area, number of flowers per plant, number of fruit per plant, length, volume, fresh and dry weight of fruit, yield per plant, vitamin C content, total soluble solids content and total acidity were measured. There was significant difference between the EM and nitrogen treatments for all the traits except fruit shelf life. Mean comparison revealed that 2% concentration of EM had positive effect on most of the traits. Regarding nitrogen treatments, the best yield was obtained at application of 100 kg*ha-1.

Keywords

• application type
• fruit shelf life
• soluble solids
• urea
• yield