Effects of shading and NO3:NH4 ratio on the yield, quality and N metabolism in strawberry

The effect of 50% shading and NO3:NH4 ratio (0:100, 75:25, 50:50, and 25:75) in the nutrient solution on growth, yield, quality and N metabolism in hydroponically grown strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa var Camarosa) was evaluated. Both fresh and dry weights of leaves were significantly lower when a high concentration of either NO3 (100%) or NH4 (75%) was the sole N source in the nutrient solution. In unshaded plants, increasing of both NH4 and NO3 ratio in the nutrient solution reduced photosynthetic (Pn) rate, however in shaded plants the reduction of Pn became more pronounced at a higher ratio of NH4 in the nutrient solution. The yield in terms of fresh and dry weight of fruit per plant was significantly increased at the 75:25 and 50:50 (NO3:NH4) treatments. Fruit size was significantly affected by the treatments, so that the biggest fruits in both shaded and unshaded plants were obtained under the 75:25 and 50:50 (NO3:NH4) treatments. Total soluble solid (TSS) in unshaded plants was increased with increasing NH4 ratio in the nutrient solution, however in shaded plants it was reduced at high NH4 ratio in the nutrient solution. In both shaded and unshaded plants, higher concentration of NH4 significantly reduced the post-harvest life of the fruits. The increase of tissue N concentration was nearly proportional to the NH4 concentration in the nutrient solution. The activity of nitrate reductase (NR) was increased by increasing NH4 from 0 to 50% and then reduced at a higher ratio of NH4 in the solution. Shading increased NH4 concentration so that the shaded plant had nearly twice as high NH4 concentration in the leaves. The increase of NH4 concentration induced by shading could be partially the reduction of NH4 assimilate because of the shortage of carbohydrate.