Effect of molybdenum on yield and nutrient content of the strawberry

Abstract

Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Campinas were cultivated in nutrient solution using five levels of molybdenum (Mo), 0.0010 ppm, 0.010 ppm, 0.10 ppm, 1.0 ppm and control (without applying molybdenum). The experiment was carried out in greenhouse and phytothron at Agronomy School of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to evaluate the changes in the mineral status of the leaves and the quality of the berries. The concentration of Mo in the leaves, at the beginning of fruiting stage, varied from 0.5 ppm to 64 ppm. No visual symptoms of deficiency or toxicity were observed. The total N in the levels was affected significantly by Mo and this can probably be attributed to its toxic effect. However nitrate, P, K, Ca, Mg and leaf area were not affected by the treatments. Total solid solubles, acidity, total solid solubles/acidity and ascorbic acid contents of the berries were not influenced by Mo. Average weight of the berries were affected by treatments and presented a quadratic regression response.