Evaluation of the response of two Strawberry cultivars to biological fertilizers

Document Type : scientific research article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student in the Physiology of Production and Post-Harvest of Horticultural Plants, Dept. of Horticulture Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran and Natural Resources University

2 Corresponding Author, Associate Prof., Dept. of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

3 . Assistant Prof., Dept. of Horticultural Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

4 Assistant Prof., Dept. of Horticultural Sciences, College of Crop Sciences, Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (SANRU), Sari, Iran.

5 Managing Director of Science Based Company (Danaziat Lotus), Gorgan, Golestan, Iran

Abstract

Background and objectives: Strawberry is a crop that depends on chemical fertilizers and various pesticides during its cultivation. Utilizing biological fertilizers not only mitigates the problems linked to chemical fertilizers but also improves plant health and decreases the need for chemicals. This study aimed to explore how two strawberry cultivars respond to the application of biological fertilizers.

Materials and methods: In March, strawberry transplants were placed in pots and received the necessary care. The study was structured as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with five replications. It included two cultivars (Camarosa and Paros), three fertilizer levels (Control, Larma 222, and Larma 444), and three application methods (root priming before planting, foliar spraying, and fertigation). The biofertilizers utilized were developed by Dana Zist-Lotus, incorporating two strains of bacteria: Pseudomonas fildesensis NB5 and Bacillus pumilus NB4. The evaluation focused on morphological traits such as weight, length, diameter, fruit yield, number of leaves, and both fresh and dry leaf weights, as well as biochemical traits including fruit acidity, soluble solids, titratable acidity, chlorophyll index, antioxidant levels, and anthocyanin content.

Results: The results showed that the Paros variety exhibited stronger vegetative growth and greater foliage, while the Camarosa cultivar was distinguished by its reproductive characteristics and higher fruit antioxidant content. The control treatment, due to inadequate nutrition, was the least effective across vegetative, reproductive, and quality traits. In contrast, the application of Larma 222 fertilizer via fertigation, and occasionally through foliar spraying, resulted in the highest values for fruit weight, fruit length, leaf count, fresh and dry leaf weight, number of flower clusters, and overall fruit yield. This treatment yielded the highest yield of 306 g per plant for the Camarosa cultivar. Forthermore, in this cultivar, the Larma 444 treatment resulted in the largest fruit diameter, petiole length, number of pedicles, leaf area, root length, and both fresh and dry weights. Additionally, the use of biological fertilizers derived from Pseudomonas and Bacillus bacteria improved fruit total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, anthocyanin levels, and antioxidant activity in the fruit extract. Consequently, the highest fruit sugar and taste index were recorded in the Larma 444 treatment at 13.28% and 11.37, respectively. Furthermore, the highest anthocyanin content was also observed in this treatment, measuring 29.07 mg/l in the Camarosa cultivar.

Conclusion: Overall, the results suggest that the use of Larma 222 fertilizer can enhance plant yield. Additionally, applying Larma 444 through fertigation improves fruit characteristics. The use of these biofertilizers may facilitate a reduction in the application of chemical fertilizers typically used in conventional strawberry production systems, ultimately leading to healthier fruit production.

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Plant Production Research
Volume 32, Issue 4
January 2026
Pages 69-89

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