Effect of Substrate and Variety on Some Important Quality and Quantity Characteristics of Strawberry Production in Vertical Hydroponics System

Abstract

Most growing media for strawberries in soilless culture are peat moss, rockwool, coir, perlite or some other mixtures. Nowadays, using mixture of peat moss and perlite is one of the mostly used substrate for production of hydroponic strawberries in developing countries. The effects of three different media based on 100%: 0, 80%: 20% and 60%: 40% v/v perlite and peat moss were evaluated on quantity and quality of three varieties of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) in soilless culture. Perlite/ peat moss substrate 100%:0% ratio (v/v) produced the highest number of runners, crowns number was the highest in 60% perlite+ 40% peat moss substrate and both substrates of 80%+ 20% and 60%:40% perlite/peat produced the highest percentage of Total soluble solid. Fresno variety had the highest number of crowns production between three studied varieties. In addition, although Fresno variety produced the highest number of runners, the highest value of percentage of Total soluble solid was related to Selva variety. All in all, the results showed that based on the goals of planting strawberries, both Fresno and Selva varieties and also 80%:20% and 60%:40% perlite/peat moss are the best<br><br>ones in production of strawberries in Iran