Influence of biostimulants and organic mulch on physiological, biochemical and yield attributes of Strawberry (F. × ananassa Dutch.) cv. Katrain Sweet

The aim of this research was to access the influence of bio-stimulants and organic mulch on physiological, biochemical and yield attributes of Strawberry (F. × ananassa Dutch.) cv. Katrain Sweet. The research was conducted over 2 consecutive years (2022-23 and 2023-24) at the Garden, Department of Fruit Science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment employed a randomized block design (RBD) with 13 treatments, each replicated 3 times. The treatments consisted of combinations of Azotobacter, PSB (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria), Trichoderma and organic mulches such as paddy straw and dried leaves. Among the treatments, T12, consisted of a combination of Azotobacter (8 g per plant), PSB (8 g per plant), Trichoderma (6 g per plant) and dried leaves, significantly enhanced various fruit characteristics such as length, weight, diameter, volume, specific gravity, juice content, pulp content and TSS (Total Soluble Solids). The finding highlighted that optimal nutrient availability, coupled with the beneficial effects of bio-fertilizers and organic mulch, led to superior fruit quality and higher yields. This study underscored the value of integrating bio-fertilizers and organic mulch in strawberry cultivation for sustainable and high-quality fruit production.