Temporary increase of the concentration of nutrient solution in soilless culture improves strawberry quality

The application of permanent salt stress during fruit production has been suggested to restrict vegetative growth and improvement of fruit quality, especially sweetness. The present study was carried out due to the lack of application of increasing the electrical conductivity of a nutrition solution in a specific period in order to enhance the quality of strawberries grown in a soilless culture system. The investigated cultivars differed in their sensitivity to increasing nutrient solution concentration. Camarosa and Gaviota Cultivars in 120% temporary increasing the concentration of nutrient solution produced about 45.7% and 8.24% reducing yield, respectively, than the control. The highest SSC/TA (soluble solid content/titrable acidity) was observed in 80% (15.6%) and 120% (22.15%) of temporary increasing the concentration of nutrient solution treatments, compared to control. Also, the maximum of total anthocyanin content (33.38%) was observed in 120% of temporary increasing the concentration of nutrient solution treatment – Gaviota, compared to control. The finding of the present study showed that cultivar Camarosa and 120% of temporary increasing the concentration of nutrient solution treatment could improve strawberry fruit quality in soilless culture. Although, according yield in temporary increasing the concentration of nutrient solution condition, cultivar Gaviota tolerant was higher than cultivar Camarosa.