Effect of foliar and soil applied fertilizers on strawberry healthiness, yield and berry quality
¹Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture, Kauno 30, LT–54333 Babtai, Kaunas distr., Lithuania;e–mail: j.lanauskas@lsdi.lt
²Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture, Kauno 30, LT–54333 Babtai, Kaunas distr., Lithuania;e–mail: institutas@lsdi.lt
Abstract:
The effect of foliar applied fertilizers (calcium nitrate, Kemira Ferticare 7–27–25, Phosfik 3–27–18 and Biokal 01) and calcium nitrate broadcasted to the soil on strawberries cv. ’Honeoye’ was investigated in 2004–2005 at the Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture. Strawberries were sprayed three times starting at full bloom in 8 day intervals. Calcium nitrate was applied to the soil in the rows during full bloom at the rate of 150 kg ha-1. Control plants were not fertilized. Ecological preparation Biokal 01 decreased amount of mite–infested strawberry plants by 9 percent units, and the incidence of leaf scorch (Diplocarpon earlianum (Ellis & Everh) Wolf) by 8 percent units in comparison with the control. Fertilizers had no effect on white leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fragariae (Tul.) Lind) infection. Foliar applied fertilizers had no positive effect on strawberry yield, average berry weight and berry firmness. Calcium nitrate applied to the soil decreased berry firmness. Biokal 01 and foliar applied calcium nitrate increased berry sucrose content. Fertilizers did not influence concentration of soluble solids, total sugars, ascorbic acid, nitrates and titratable acids.
Key words:
berry firmness, fertilizers, leaf scorch, mites, sucrose