Effect of Nutrient Solution Strength on Growth, Fruit Quality and Yield of Strawberry 'Mehyang' in Hydroponics

Abstract

Abstract. Experiments were conducted to investigate the optimum concentration of nutrient solution for strawberry 'Maehyang' bred domestically for exportation in hydroponics. Nutrient solutions for strawberry, which was made by Yamazaki, were supplied electrical conductivity (EC) 0.6, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.8 dS·m -1 after planting on cocopeat medium during the experiment period. Growth of shoot of strawberries did not show any statistical differences among treatments. Fruit length showed the longest in EC 0.8 and 1.2 dS·m , followed by 0.6 and 1.8 dS·m -1 in the first and third cluster. It showed the shortest in EC 1.8 dS·m -1 in the second cluster but there were no significant differences among treatments in the fourth cluster. Fruit diameter did not show significant differences among treatments in the first and second cluster but was the longest in the lowest concentration EC 0.6 dS·m -1 in the third cluster. The shortest was in EC 1.8 dS·m -1 in the fourth cluster. The heaviest mean fruit weight appeared in EC 0.8 and 1.2 dS·m -1 , and the lightest was in EC 1.8 dS·m -1 in the first cluster and also lightest in EC 1.8 dS·m -1 but no significant differences was found among other treatments in the second & third cluster. Also the fruit weight was significantly light in plants grown in EC 1.8 dS·m -1 than 0.6 dS·m -1 in the fourth cluster. Soluble solids content of fruit was the highest in EC 0.6 dS·m -1 in all cluster. As a result, we came to the conclusion that the optimum EC for strawberry 'Maehyang' was EC 0.8 -1.2 dS·m -1 during low temperature season. This result will be utilized as an indicator for strawberry hydroponics.

Extended Supplementation of Nutrient Solution for Runner Plant Production Improved the Growth of Runner Plants and Enhanced the Reproduction Rate and Quality of ‘Maehyang’ Strawberry Fruits

“…In the case of 'Sulhyang' and 'Maehyang' cultivars, there was a significant difference in the fruit length, diameter, and weight according to the levels of nutrient solution after transplanting (Jun et al, 2011;. Likewise, fruit quality of 'Ssanta' cultivar, such as length, diameter, and weight, were affected by EC levels after transplanting; specifically, with low nutrient solution of 0.6 to 0.8 dS·m -1 , the strawberry fruits were enlarged (Jun et al, 2012). In addition, in 'Berrystar' and 'Jukhyang' cultivars, the weight and length of fruit were significantly different due to the changes in the nutrient solution after transplanting (Choi et al, 2017).…”

Nutrients for Hydroponic Systems in Fruit Crops

“…Albaho et al [24] concluded that continuous sub irrigation capillary system is the best among hydroponics in strawberry. Jun et al [4] reported that nutrient solution with EC ranges between 0.8 and 1.2 dS/m during low temperature season in hydroponically grown strawberry cv. Maehyang.…”

Cultivar, Growing Media, and Nutrient Source Influence Strawberry Yield in a Vertical, Hydroponic, High Tunnel System

“…Strawberries were planted in a 1:1 soilless media mixture (by volume) of perlite + coco coir and fertigated with a complete nutrient solution (6N-5.2P-23.2K; Verti-Gro Plant Nutrients) supplemented with calcium nitrate. Target electrical conductivity (EC) of the nutrient solution was 1.0 mSÁcm -1 (Jun et al, 2013) and pH was adjusted to a target of 5.8 with sulfuric acid. Strawberries were harvested from each tower up to four times per week and graded as marketable or cull, separated, and marketable fruit was counted and weighed but cull fruit was not.…”