Optimizing strawberry growth: Impact of irrigation and biostimulant application on physiology and fruit quality

Abstract

• The biostimulants increased strawberry fruit weight by 85% under water stress. • The treatments improved water retention, reduced cell damage, and enhanced physiological resilience. • The application of biostimulants boosted root biomass and resource allocation to fruits. • The biostimulants increased antioxidant metabolites, supporting plant health under drought stress. Strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is highly sensitive to water deficits, necessitating strategies to enhance irrigation efficiency while maintaining crop productivity and fruit quality. This study evaluated the effects of different irrigation regimes (30%, 30-70%, and 70% of field capacity) and pre-harvest applications of two seaweed-based biostimulants ( Ascophyllum nodosum extracts) on strawberry growth, physiology, and fruit quality. The treatments involved foliar applications every 15 days throughout the vegetative and productive phases. Key physiological parameters, including gas exchange, electrolyte leakage, and photosynthetic pigments, were assessed in leaves, alongside biochemical analyses of fruit composition, such as phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. The application of A. nodosum -based biostimulants demonstrated significant benefits in strawberry plants under water stress conditions. Physiological attributes such as gas exchange, relative water content, and total carotenoids were improved, while electrolyte leakage was reduced. Biochemical parameters of the fruits, including antioxidant activity and concentrations of phenolic, flavonoid, and ortho -diphenol compounds, were positively influenced. Fresh fruit weight and diameter were also enhanced, particularly with the application of N19-67 under water deficit conditions, which increased fruit weight. Meanwhile, N19-68 promoted higher phenolic and antioxidant compounds under optimal water conditions. At the end of the experiment, plant growth analysis further confirmed the efficacy of these biostimulants, which showed a significant level of specificity depending on application rates and stress levels. These findings underscore the potential of A. nodosum -based biostimulants as effective tools for mitigating water stress effects and improving both physiological and quality parameters in strawberry cultivation.

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