Effect of nanocalcium foliar application on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of strawberry cv ‘Alba’

The strawberry (Fragaria � ananassa Duch.) is a very important horticultural crop that is cultivated worldwide. The production system, especially fertilization has a significant influence on the yield and quality of strawberries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of natural calcite foliar fertilizer (FitosmartVR ) on the strawberry cultivar cv. ‘Alba’ in greenhouse production. Strawberries were grown in two-row beds covered with black plastic mulch and irrigated using a drip system. Pre-harvest foliar application of FitosmartVR was applied on one-year-old plants, at concentrations of 0.3% and 0.5%. Flowering and ripening time, productivity, plant growth, biometric characteristics and biochemical parameters (total soluble solids content, total titratable acid content, vitamin C content, monomeric anthocyanins content, total phenolic content), and antioxidant activity were monitored. The application of 0.5% FitosmartVR resulted in the highest yield per plant, fruit weight, and fruit quality, with a significant improvement in fruit firmness and appearance. Additionally, FitosmartVR increased the monomeric anthocyanin content, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the strawberries. These results suggest that nanocalcium fertilizer can enhance both the quality and yield of strawberries, thus presenting a promising sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers.