EFFECTS OF SODIUM ON PERFORMANCE OF ´ELSANTA´ STRAWBERRIES GROWN ON PEAT

Short-day strawberry plants (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv.
Elsanta) were grown on peat in two successive trials under greenhouse conditions.
Six concentrations of Na were continuously applied with the nutrient solution from planting until the end of harvest (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mmol l^-1).
During the first cropping cycle in autumn, marginal necrosis was noted at an application rate of 4 mmol Na l^-1, while yield was only significantly reduced with 5 mmol l^-1. During the second cropping cycle, typical marginal necrosis of mature leaves and the calyx occurred at the Na application rate of only 1 mmol l^-1. Total leaf area, length of petioles and inflorescences, fruit number, fruit size, and total yield were reduced significantly with increasing Na application rates.
Fruit number decreased significantly at 3 mmol l^-1, while yield was already significantly reduced even at a Na application rate of 2 mmol l^-1. This was associated with Na concentrations above 2 mmol l^-1 in the peat, and 3 mmol l^-1 in the percolate. Elevated Na application resulted in increased sugar and acid content, and improved fruit firmness and shelf life.

V International Strawberry Symposium

P. Lieten

Fragaria × ananassa, Na, nutrient solution

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2006.708.71