Effects of phosphate‐solubilizing microorganisms on strawberry yield and nutrient concentrations

Phosphorus (P)‐solubilizing bacteria and fungi can increase soil‐P availability, potentially enhancing crop yield when P is limiting. We studied the effectiveness of Bacillus FS‐3 and Aspergillus FS9 in enhancing strawberry (Fragaria × ananasa cv. Fern) yield and mineral content of leaves and fruits on a P‐deficient calcareous Aridisol in Eastern Anatolia, Turkey. The 120 d pot experiment was conducted in three replicates with three treatments (Bacillus FS‐3, Aspergillus FS9, control) and five increasing rates of P addition (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg P ha^–1). Fruit yield and nutrient content of fruits and leaves and soil P pools were determined at the end of the experiment. Phosphorus‐fertilizer addition increased all soil P fractions. Strawberry yield increased with P addition (quadratic function) reaching a maximum of 94 g pot^–1 at 200 kg P ha^–1 in the absence of P‐solubilizing microorganisms. At this yield level, Bacillus FS‐3 and Aspergillus FS9 inoculation resulted in P‐fertilizer savings of 149 kg P ha^–1 and 102 kg P ha^–1, respectively. Both microorganisms increased yields beyond the maximum achievable yield with sole P‐fertilizer addition. Microorganism inoculation increased fruit and leaf nutrient concentrations (N, P, K, Ca, and Fe) with the largest increases upon addition of Bacillus FS‐3. We conclude that Bacillus FS‐3 and Aspergillus FS9 show great promise as yield‐enhancing soil amendments in P‐deficient calcareous soils of Turkey. However, moderate additions of P fertilizer (50–100 kg ha^–1) are required for highest yield.     

Effects of bark mulch and npk fertilizer on yield,leaf nutrient status and soil mineral nitrogen during three years of strawberry production

The effects of bark mulch and NPK fertilizers on yield and leaf and soil nutrient status of ‘Korona’ strawberry plants (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.), were studied over a period of three years. A significant effect of mulching was found in the first harvest year, but additional fertilizer did not affect total yield. Bark mulch slightly decreased the level of leaf nitrogen, but increased the level of leaf phosphorus and potassium in all years. Bark had a significant, negative effect on soil nitrate and ammonium content in the two first seasons. Mulching increased the soil moisture content in all years.     

Phenology,flowering and yield performance of 13 diverse strawberry cultivars grown under Nordic field conditions

As part of an overall assessment of the commercial suitability of strawberry cultivars for the Nordic environment, we studied 13 diverse cultivars in an experimental field in South East Norway. Early-maturing cultivars were characterized by early initiation of floral primordia and early flowering and fruit maturation. High temperatures in July and early August delayed floral initiation in the early cultivars, resulting in more synchronous initiation of early and late cultivars. The recent Norwegian cultivar ‘Nobel’, which has an everbearing parent, differed from the other cultivars by early initiation also at elevated summer temperature. Inadequate yield and berry size were identified as important causes for outdating of older cultivars, such as ‘Senga Sengana’ and ‘Glima’. Overall, the high-yielding and large-fruited ‘Sonata’ was judged as the best fresh consumption cultivar in Norway, and market trends indicate that it will continue to expand its market share at the expense of ‘Korona’, mainly because of inadequate fruit firmness and shelf life of the latter. Adequate yields and berry quality justify the use of the late maturing ‘Florence’ for prolongation of the fresh market season. The results are discussed together with practical experiences and market preferences in an attempt to provide overall cultivar recommendations for Norway.