Effect of substrate and cultivar on growth characteristic of strawberry in soilless culture system

Abstract

The investigation was carried out for evaluation effect of substrate and cultivar on growth characteristic of strawberry in soilless culture system. Experimental treatment consisted of three strawberry cultivars (Camarosa, Mrak and Selva) and six growing media (rice hull, sycamore pruning waste, cocopeat + perlite (50:50), vermicomposts + perlite + coco peat (5:45:50), (15:40:45) and (25:35:40). Measured factors were dry and fresh weight of root and shoot, runner number, petiole length, leaf area, total biomass and root/shoot ratio. Measured physical and chemical characteristics of different substrate consisted of pH, EC, porosity, bulk density, particle density, % organic material and % inorganic material. Results show that these cultivars responded differently to different substrates under this investigation. Furthermore, these substrates had significant effects on cultivars. Camarosa cultivar had the highest of leaf area, length of petiole, runner number and total biomass. Mrak cultivar was the highest of yield. Adding vermicompost to substrates was effected in most of traits.

Keywords: Substrate, vermicompost, strawberry, growth characteristics, cultivar