INFLUENCE OF BIOFERTILIZERS AND ORGANIC MULCHES ON FRUIT QUALITY OF STRAWBERRY (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) IN THE SOUTH-EAST ZONE OF RAJASTHAN INDIA
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The present investigation was conducted to assess the influence of different biofertilizers and organic mulching materials on the physical and chemical characteristics of strawberry fruits. The experiment comprised thirteen treatments involving Azotobacter, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Trichoderma harzianum, and organic mulches (paddy straw and dried leaves), along with a control (FYM @ 10 kg/bed). The study revealed significant variations among treatments for all parameters studied. Among the treatments, T12 (Azotobacter 8 g/plant + PSB 8 g/plant + Trichoderma harzianum 6 g/plant with dried leaves) exhibited superior performance. It recorded maximum fruit length (3.61 cm), diameter (24.47 mm), and weight (17.92 g), along with higher fruit volume (21.96 cc), specific gravity (0.81 g/cm³), and juice content (66.06%). The pulp content was minimum (33.93%) and juice:pulp ratio was maximum (1.96), indicating better fruit quality. Shelf life was also improved (2.91 days) compared to the control (1.20 days). In terms of chemical parameters, T12 recorded significantly higher total soluble solids (11.71 °Brix), total sugars (10.92%), TSS:acid ratio (15.21), fruit pH (3.53), and ascorbic acid content (59.25 mg/100 g), along with the lowest titratable acidity (0.79%). The control treatment (T13) consistently showed inferior performance across all parameters. The enhanced performance under T12 may be attributed to the synergistic effect of biofertilizers, where Azotobacter improves nitrogen fixation, PSB enhances phosphorus availability, and Trichoderma harzianum promotes plant growth through phytohormone production. Additionally, organic mulches improve soil moisture retention and microbial activity, resulting in better nutrient uptake and fruit development. Thus, the combined application of biofertilizers with dried leaf mulch significantly improves fruit quality and overall performance of strawberry under the given agro-climatic conditions.
Source: PLANT ARCHIVES
Institution: Career Point University
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7204147897