Effect of Partial Root Zone Drying on Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Strawberry (Fragaria Ananassa Cv. Selva)

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of application of partial root zone drying technique on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa cv. Selva). The experiment was arranged as randomized complete blocks design with five treatments and four replications. One week after planting the seedlings, different irrigation regimes including FC: FC (moisture content in both sides of the roots at field capacity), FC: 1/2 FC (moisture content in one side of the roots at field capacity and in the other side at half field capacity), FC: Dry (moisture content in one side at field capacity and the other side is dry), ½ FC: Dry (moisture content in one side at half field capacity and the other side is dry) and 1/2 FC: 1/2 FC (moisture content in both sides of the roots at half field capacity) were applied by emitters (and controlled by moisture sensors). Traits such as fresh weight of vegetative parts and fruits, leaf number of leaves, chlorophyll index, leaf area index, leaf leakage of electrolytes, proline, and soluble solids were measured. Results showed that the highest fresh weight of vegetative parts and fruits, number of leaves, chlorophyll index and leaf area index were measured in FC: FC and FC: 1/2 FC treatments. Maximum electrolyte leakage, proline and soluble solids were in 1/2 FC: Dry treatment. Plants under this technique showed resistance mechanisms, against drought stress, such as proline production and reduction of number and surface of leaves.

Keywords

• Irrigation
• Field capacity
• Partial rootzone drying
• Proline.