Abstract
Shortday strawberry plants (Fragaria xananassaDuch. ‘Elsanta’) were grown on peat bags. In a first trial, four rates of zinc (0.5, 5,10 and 15 μmol/liter) were applied in the nutrient solution. In a second trial, six rates of zinc (0.5, 7.5,15, 30, 60 and 120 μmol/liter) were similarly applied. A Zn leaf value lower than 20 ppm on dry matter basis was associated with deficiency symptoms, fruit abortion and lower yields. Optimum growth, yield and fruit set of ‘Elsanta’ grown on peat bags were associated with a concentration of 7.5 to 10 μmol/liter Zn in the nutrient solution. A Zn concentration above 30 μmol/liter induced Zn toxicity and Fe deficiency symptoms which resulted in lower yields and increased fruit deformation.
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