Effects of Organic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) VAR. Chandler in Nakuru, Kenya

A field experiment was carried out during the 2024/2025 season at Baraka Farm in the Lanet area of Nakuru County, Kenya, approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Nakuru city center. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different fertilizers, BSF frass (black soldier fly excreta), KUZA, and NPK 17:17:17 on the growth, yield, and postharvest quality of the Chandler strawberry variety under field conditions. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates was used. Data were collected on the number of leaves and flowers, plant height, yield, total soluble solids (TSS), firmness and titrable acidity. Results indicated that the number of leaves and flowers per plant, plant height was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) influenced by both season and fertilizer treatment. NPK (17:17:17) consistently produced the highest leaves counts at all growth. High fruit firmness values were obtained in the strawberries subjected to NPK 17:17:17 followed by BSF frass. BSF frass also resulted in relatively high acidity suggesting it can maintain acidity close to that of NPK. Application of frass, particularly from BSF frass substrates, led to improved strawberry vegetative growth, higher yields, and enhanced postharvest fruit quality. The study offers important insights into the potential of BSF frass as a suitable organic fertilizer, its role in reducing synthetic inputs and its contribution to improving both productivity and quality of strawberry.