Silicon beneficial effects on yield, fruit quality and shelf-life of strawberries grown in different culture substrates under different iron status.

The silicon application either as foliar or to the radicular system of strawberry plants was investigated. Fortuna strawberry plants were grown in two different substrates (coconut fibre and organic substrate) under optimal (20 μM) or low (5 μM) iron (Fe) conditions. During the study, crop parameters including leaf area, SPAD and fruit yield were measured. At harvest, fruit quality and post-harvest shelf-life were evaluated. Results indicated that "Fortuna" strawberries plants had a poor development in coconut fibre and excellent growth and yield in the organic substrate. In the coconut fibre substrate, no differences in foliar area, fruit diameter, colour, pH and shelf-life were observed related to the Si addition under deficient Fe conditions, but an increased in weight and the firmness of the fruits, as well as in fructose content was shown. However, when 20 μM Fe were supplied, the root application of Si significantly increases: protein, mineral and sugar content, as well as fruit shelf-life by an average of 1.5 days. Likewise, the radicular silicon application to the organic substrate considerably improved yield, fruit diameter, fruit weight, glucose and fructose fruit content and the fruit shelf-life without causing distinguishable chemical or physicochemical changes. In summary, Si application to Fortuna strawberries through the roots could be a good solution to increase fruit quality and yield and to increase benefits from the agronomical point of view. Further studies in other strawberry varieties and dose rates will allow knowing with better precision how the radicular application of silicon contributes to yield and fruit shelf-life.