Morphological and Yield Parameters, Dry Matter Distribution, Nutrients Uptake, and Distribution in Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. ‘Elsanta’ as Influenced by Spent Mushroom Substrates and Planting Seasons

Abstract

The performance of autumn and spring-planted strawberry cv. ‘Elsanta’ in peat and peat supplemented with fresh spent mushroom substrate (SMS) of Agaricus bisporus, Lentinus edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus in 15% and 25% was evaluated. The morphological and yield parameters, dry matter distribution, uptake, and partitioning of macro- and micronutrients were studied. The experiment was carried out during 2020–2021 in an unheated tunnel and was laid out in a randomised complete block design in five replicates. The study aimed to deliver greater insight into utilising fresh SMS as a sustainable substitute to peat. The shoot and root length, leaf number, crown diameter, plant dry weight, and marketable yields were superior in SMS-based substrates in autumn planting. The nutrient uptake varied among substrates and planting seasons, where higher plant nutrient uptake was noticed in SMS-based substrates. Nutrient partitioning among leaves, crowns, and roots was dynamic. The N, P, K, and Mn were mainly recovered in leaves. While Mg was almost equally partitioned among plant organs. The higher amounts of Na, Zn, and Cu were found in crowns. The greater accumulation of Ca and Fe in roots was evident. Correlation indicated that plant macro- and micronutrients had both positive and negative interactions. Overall, the superior morphological and yield performances of cv. ‘Elsanta’ were more noticeable in SMSs than in peat in autumn-planted strawberries.

Comparative nutritional and phytochemical analysis of indigenous Pakistani Strawberry varieties along with shelf-life extension using modified atmospheric packaging technology

“…In our study different minerals were analyzed i.e., potassium, iron, zinc, calcium, cupper and manganese. The published literature suggest that mineral levels of strawberry cultivars are influenced by factors i.e., environmental conditions, growth temperature, genetics, cultivation soil as well as harvesting time (Prasad et al, 2022). Our findings regarding minerals levels for are significantly differing among tested varieties.…”

Leaf Nutrient Status of Commercially Grown Strawberries in Latvia, 2014–2022: A Possible Yield-Limiting Factor

“…Additionally, Cu was positively associated with Zn. Prasad et al [ 46 ] also reported the synergy of Cu and N in strawberries, thus confirming the importance of Cu in N uptake and vice versa.…”

“…N, P, K, and S are essential in plant life processes such as respiration and photosynthesis, osmotic regulation, energy transfer, protein synthesis, enzyme activation, and many others [ 12 ]. According to Prasad et al [ 46 ] and Tohidloo et al [ 47 ], the positive significant correlation among N, P, and K is necessary for better strawberry development which determines the balance between vegetative growth, fruit quality, and reproductive processes. Therefore, positive interactions between Zn and these nutrients indicate the contributing role of a higher macronutrient supply in the development of the plant, including the root system, which also promotes the absorption of micronutrients.…”

Effects of Agricultural Management of Spent Mushroom Waste on Phytotoxicity and Microbiological Transformations of C, P, and S in Soil and Their Consequences for the Greenhouse Effect

“…Due to growing environmental concerns, the proper disposal and handling of excess SMS accumulation are essential. Current research has clearly indicated that, due to its high fertilizing value, agricultural application is the most efficient method for SMS recycling [7][8][9][10]. SMS is a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients that is readily available to plants [8,11,12].…”