Application of microalgae‑based biostimulants in sustainable strawberry production

Abstract

Bio-based solutions that promote plant growth, yields and functional quality of foods in primary production are gaining popularity in environmentally challenging conditions such as temperature fluctuations, late frosts and excess precipitation. This study was implemented to examine the foliar effect of microalgae biostimulants (three microalgae: Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus vacuolatus and Coelastrella sp. in two concentrations ‒ 5 and 10%) on growth, productivity and fruit quality of strawberry cultivar ‘Alba’. Strawberry vegetative and generative potential (rosette height, number of leaves, flowers and fruit per plant), physical fruit properties (weight, height, width and shape index) was assessed with standard morphometric methods as well as fruit quality (sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds) with high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS). Result showed that algae treatment T6 (Coelastrella sp., 10%) applied foliarly positively affected on the balance between vegetative and generative growth and consequently, more than 25% higher yields for the treated plants. Content of sugar and most of secondary metabolites in treatment T6 were more than 10% higher compared to other treatments. Overall, the results of the present study suggest the sustainable approach of microalgae application may introduce positive advances in organic strawberry production in field conditions. Furthermore, research provides novel insights into influence of microalgae on important fruit quality components that can contribute to the various potential-beneficial human health effects.