Fertilizers and Microorganisms Promote Strawberry Growth, Yield, and Quality in Peru

The use of sustainable and efficient practices is important for high crop yields. This study aimed to determine the effects of microorganisms and fertilizers on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of two strawberry cultivars in Cañete, Peru. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement, where the main plots were the fertilizer doses (0, 50, 100, and 150%) and the subplots were arranged in a factorial scheme of 2 × 4, with two strawberry varieties, three microorganisms (Azospirillum brasilense, Rhizophagus spp., and Trichoderma sp.), and the control. Growth variables included the number of leaves, crowns, and flowers; petiole length and diameter; foliar area; number of fruits; and yield. Nutrient concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium were determined. For fruit quality, the variables of pH, Brix grade, and acidity were measured. The results indicated that the Sabrina cultivar had higher growth and yield (+15%). All fertilizer doses promoted yield and firmness, especially the 50% dose. All microorganisms promoted growth, yield (+60%), and fruit quality, demonstrating their importance in improving fruit production in this crop in Peru.