The influence of foliar application of potassium and silicon fertilizer on some physiological features of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) variety Elvira

Abstract

The aim of the performed studies was to assess the physiological reaction of strawberry variety Elvira to foliar application of  potassium - silicon fertilizer.  In 2005–2006 at the Experimental Station of Pomology Department, University of Agriculture in Szczecin, a twofactor vegetation in the system of random blocks was carried out in three replications. The first experimental factor was foliar application of Potassium Alkaline with silicon (variant I – with fertilization, variant II – control, spraying with distilled water). The second factor was the date of measurement of the physiological features. The following gas exchange parameters of the investigated variety were determined: assimilation rate of CO₂, transpiration rate, CO₂ concentration in intercellular air spaces, water vapor concentration, stomatal conductance and index of water use efficiency  in photosynthesis. In the strawberry leaves the content of assimilation pigments was determined. Foliar application of potassium Alkaline with silicon did not significantly affect the content of assimilation dyes in strawberry leaves. The leaves of strawberry fertilized with Alkaline and those of the control combination were characterised by an approximate intensity of CO₂  assimilation. A significant decrease was shown in the intensity of the transpiration process in the examined plant fertilized with Alkaline. The fertilized plants were also characterized by a higher photosynthetic effectiveness of the use of water.