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AziziYeganehetal. BMC Plant Biology (2024) 24:149
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BMC Plant Biology
Vermicompost asanalternative substrate
topeat moss forstrawberry (Fragaria ananassa)
insoilles culture
Mahsa Azizi Yeganeh1, Ali Asghar Shahabi2*, Ali Ebadi3 and Vahid Abdossi1
Abstract
Background Consecutive droughts and quantitative and qualitative reduction of surface and underground
water resources have caused an increase in greenhouse and hydroponic cultivation for most garden crops, includ-
ing strawberries, in Iran. On the other hand, most of the inputs of greenhouse crops in Iran are imported. To possibil-
ity of replacing vermicompost with peat moss under hydroponic cultivation, an experiment was done in a split plot
based on randomized complete blocks design in three replications in Isfahan (Iran) Agricultural and Natural Resources
Research Center in 2019. The main treatment was substrate at four levels included different levels of vermicompost
(30 and 50%) and peat moss (30 and 50%) in combination with perlite and sub-treatment were Selva and Camarosa
cultivars.
Results The results showed that Camarosa cultivar and Selva cultivar in (perlite/ peat moss 50:50) and Selva cultivar
in (perlite / vermicompost 70:30) had maximum yield.
Leaf number and chlorophyll index were maximum in Camarosa cultivar in peat moss substrates. Strawberry cultivars
had the highest root fresh weight, the content of vitamin C and total soluble solids (TSS) in substrates containing
vermicompost. Camarosa cultivar in (perlite / peat moss50:50) and Selva cultivar in (perlite /vermicompost 50:50) had
maximum root dry weight. Also, the highest number of inflorescences was related to substrates containing peat moss
and (perlite /vermicompost 70:30). Maximum amount of fresh and dry weight of shoots were observed in (perlite/
peat moss70:30). Selva cultivar had more inflorescences (16.5%) than Camarosa cultivar and Camarosa cultivar pro-
duced more fresh and dry weight of shoots (16.5%, 23.01%) than Selva cultivar.
Conclusion Expriment results highlighted the importance of considering both main and sub-treatments in agricul-
tural research, as they interacted to influence various growth and yield parameters. 50% vermicompost treatment
combined with perlite had a positive impact on plant growth and in quality index such as vitamin C content and TSS
was highest. while the choice of cultivar affected different aspects of plant development. Selva cultivar was known
to be more tolerant to salinity caused by vermicompost. Vermicompost is local and more economical, also salt resist-
ant cultivars are recommended in a controlled (30%) amount of vermicompost.
Keywords Camarosa, Cultivar, Hydroponic, Selva, Vitamin C
*Correspondence:
Ali Asghar Shahabi
aliasgharshahabi45@gmail.com
Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
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AziziYeganehetal. BMC Plant Biology (2024) 24:149
Background
e cultivation of is an important agricultural practice
worldwide. Farmers and researchers constantly seek
innovative techniques to enhance crop productivity and
quality. One such approach is the use of organic amend-
ments like vermicompost and peat moss, which have
demonstrated positive effects on plant growth and yield.
Additionally, the selection of appropriate strawberry
cultivars is crucial for optimizing outcomes. Strawberry
(Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is one of the most popular
soft berry fruits [45]. Now, they are as a matter of func-
tional food with numerous health benefits such as source
of natural antioxidants, such as carotenoids, phenolics,
vitamins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids [15, 31].
Food production by soilless culture method has
become more attractive than traditional soil culture due
to its advantages, such improved quality control over the
growth environment and reduce of uncertainties related
to soil, water, and nutrient availability [31].
Peat moss itself is a type of organic material derived
from partially decomposed plant matter found in peat
bogs. It is widely used in horticulture and gardening due
to its excellent water-holding capacity, aeration proper-
ties, low pH, low bulk density, low nutrient content, and
useful cation exchange capacity and ability to improve
soil structure [11].
While peat moss has been widely used, there is grow-
ing concern about the sustainability of its extraction from
peat bogs. As an alternative, compost-based substrates,
and other organic materials are being explored as sub-
stitutes for peat moss in horticulture [32]. Vermicom-
post is one of domestically produced organic substrates
that is important in agriculture sector, especially for pro-
duction of greenhouse products. In recent years, use of
vermicompost in horticulture as a high-use growing sub-
strate has increased [15].
Organic composts exhibit qualities similar to peat in
terms of porosity, aeration, and water holding capacity.
ey are renewable resources that are produced locally
[21, 33].
Vermicompost is used as a suitable alternative to chem-
ical fertilizers in various crops. Vermicomposting is a
non-thermophilic process that converts organic waste
materials into valuable fertilizer through the combination
of worms and mesophilic microbes [33]. Vermicompost
contain substances that control plant growth, such as
humic acids, auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins which
control a variety of processes related to plant growth and
yield [10].
ere are some reports in the previous study on utili-
zation, vermicompost in cultivation. e highest yield
(408.04 g plant-1), fruit weight (18.5 g), Tss (8.33%),
pH (3.95%) and total sugar ((Glucose + Fructose) mg
100 g − 1) in strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) plants were
obtained with the use of vermicompost (250 kg da − 1)
compared to the control group and the use of chemical
fertilizers [34].
Khatiwada [14] reported that shoot, root, and leaf
growth characteristics were significantly affected by the
application of vermicompost in strawberry (Monterey
cultivar) plant.
In an experiment conducted by [39], the flower initia-
tion was recorded at vermicompost (50%) also the high-
est fruit yield and highest soluble solid content at the
time of harvest was recorded with treatment vermicom-
post (100%) and (50%).
In other experiment application of 100% vermicompost
with other substrate was found most effective in vegeta-
tive attributes as well as yield per hectare of Strawberry
fruit [41].
In an experiment conducted on strawberries, ver-
micompost in in a relatively low dose (equivalent to 170
kg N/ha) had a positive effect on the yield. Also, the qual-
ity of strawberry fruit such as total soluble solids, total
anthocyanins, antioxidant activity of the fruit, and a
lower concentration of total acid improved significantly
[10].
e purpose of this study is to replace vermicompost
instead of peat moss in Iran. Due to economic sanctions,
using vermicompost in Iran can indeed be more eco-
nomical than peat moss for several reasons: Local pro-
duction, Lower cost, Sustainable waste management and
Soil health benefits. In addition to being more budget-
friendly, vermicompost also offers several benefits, such
as being a sustainable and organic source of nutrients,
improving soil structure and promoting beneficial micro-
bial activity. ese advantages contribute to enhanced
plant growth and yield, making vermicompost a favorable
choice for many farmers and growers.
Results
Yield
Yield of the two cultivars of strawberry was significantly
affected by the substrate and interaction between sub-
strate and cultivars (Table 1). Higher values of yield
were recorded on Camarosa cultivar in the substrate
with 50% perlite/ 50% peat moss (S1C2:39.31 gr) and on
Selva cultivar with no significant difference in 50% per-
lite / 50% peat moss and 70% perlite /30% vermicompost
(S1C1:34.26gr and S4C1:33.53gr) (Fig.1).
The number ofleaves
Leave numbers of strawberry were significantly affected
by the substrate and interaction between substrate
and cultivars (Table 1). Maximum number of leaves
were recorded in Camarosa cultivar grown with 50%
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AziziYeganehetal. BMC Plant Biology (2024) 24:149
Table 1 Analysis of variance substrate and cultivar on some physiological and biochemical traits of Selva and And Camarosa cultivar
ns * and ** indicates non-signicant, signicant at P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01, respectively
Source of variance Df Mean sum of squares
Yield Leaf Inorescence Shoot fresh weight Shoot dry weight Root
fresh
weight
Root dry weight Chlorophyll index Total
Soluble
Solid
Vitamin C
SUBSTRATR (S) 3 74.16** 1.39** 0.13* 114.92** 12.79** 3.23ns 0.48ns 14.34** 0.57** 104.99**
Error 6 7.97 0.19 0.02 6.51 0.66 13.19 1.31 1.39 0.06 80.8
Cultivar (C) 1 18.28ns 1.17ns 0.34** 92.53* 17.96* 8.21ns 0.008ns 14.95** 0.47** 277.44**
S × C 3 62.89*3.01** 0.08ns 23.47ns 1.94ns 7.95*1.92*3.59 0.18* 55.28*
Error 8 14.3 0.49 0.03 13.31 2.61 1.73 0.33 0.86 0.04 14.62
Coefficient of variation (%) 11.99 8.09 10.97 14.50 19.16 17.46 15.01 1.97 3.87 6.07
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AziziYeganehetal. BMC Plant Biology (2024) 24:149
perlite/50% peat moss and 70% perlite/30% peat moss
(S1C2: 10.3 and S2C2:9.31) (Fig.2).
Inorescences
Inflorescences of strawberry significantly influenced by
substrates and cultivars (Table1). e highest number of
inflorescences was related to substrates containing peat
moss (S1 and S2) and 70% perlite / 30% vermicompost
(S4) (Table 2). Selva cultivar produced more inflores-
cences (16.5%) than Camarosa (Table2).
Fresh anddry shoot ofweight
Fresh and dry shoot of weight significantly influenced
by substrates and cultivars (Table1). Maximum amount
of fresh and dry weight of shoots were observed in 70%
perlite/30% peat moss (S2) (Table2). Camarosa cultivar
produced more fresh and dry weight of shoots (16.5%,
23.01%) than Selva cultivar (Table2).
Fig. 1 Yield of Selva and Camarosa in Vermicompost and Peat moss combined with Perlite
Fig. 2 Leaf number of Selva and Camarosa in Vermicompost and Peat moss combined with Perlite
Table 2 Inflorescence, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight
of Selva and Camarosa as affected by substrate and cultivar
Similar letters indicate no signicant dierence
Substrate Inorescence Shoot
fresh
weight(g)
Shoot dry
weight(g)
50% perlite / 50% peat moss
(S1) 1.75a8.85b2.92b
70% perlite / 30% peat moss
(S2) 1.61ab 10.12a3.40a
50% perlite/ 50% vermicom-
post (S3) 1.40b6.69c2.22c
70% perlite / 30% vermicom-
post (S4) 1.51ab 7.86bc 2.72b
Cultivar
Selva (C1) 1.69a7.73b2.52b
Camarosa (C2) 1.45b9.04a3.10a
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Fresh anddry root weight
Fresh and dry root of weight were significantly
affected by interaction between substrate and culti-
vars (Table1). Regarding to the measurement of root
weight, higher fresh weight of roots was measured
in Selva grown with 50% perlite/50% vermicompost
(S3C1:3.52 gr) (Fig.3), dry weight of roots in Camarosa
cultivar grown with 50% perlite/50% peat moss and
dry weight of roots in Selva cultivar grown with 50%
perlite/50% vermicompost (S1C2:1.4 and S3C1:1.33)
with no significant differences were recorded (Fig.4).
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll content significantly affected by substrate
and cultivar and interaction between substrate and culti-
vars (Table1). Levels of chlorophylls observed in Cama-
rosa cultivar was higher in substrates containing peat
moss (S1C2: 49.79 and S2C2:49.54) (Fig.5). Both culti-
vars of strawberries grown in substrates with vermicom-
post did not have chlorophyll index as much as cultivars
grown in substrate with peat moss (Fig.5).
Total Soluble Solid (TSS)
Total soluble solid showed significant differences
between cultivars grown in substrate with peat moss and
vermicompost (Table1). Selva cultivar had the highest
Fig. 3 Root fresh weight of Selva and Camarosa in Vermicompost and Peat moss combined with Perlite
Fig. 4 Root dry weight of Selva and Camarosa in Vermicompost and Peat moss combined with Perlite
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AziziYeganehetal. BMC Plant Biology (2024) 24:149
amount of total soluble solids in 50% perlite/50% ver-
micompost (S3C1: 6.2 Brix) (Fig.6).
Vitamin C contents
Vitamin C contents of strawberries were significantly
affected by the substrate, cultivars and interaction
between them used (Table1). An increase of vitamin C
content was measured in Camarosa cultivar grown in the
substrate based in vermicompost (S3C2:69.21mg/l and
S4C2:71.52 mg/l) (Fig.7).
Discussion
Yield
According to the result Selva cultivar had the high-
est yield in (perlite / peat moss 50:50) and (perlite /
vermicompost 70:30) and the results in these two sub-
strates were not significantly different from each other.
is result showed that the substrate containing 30%
vermicompost can be as effective as peat moss in increas-
ing yield. vermicompost in low doses has a similar yield
to peat moss because low doses of vermicompost con-
tain lower levels of salts. High salt content in soil can
negatively affect plant growth and yield. Increased yield
by vermicompost in the results of research related to
Marigold(Tagetes) [30], Eggplant (Solanum melongena)
[25], Cucumber ( Cucumis sativus)[9], Okra( Abelmos-
chus esculentus) [6], Potato (Solanum tuberosum) [17]
and Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) [40] Is also vis-
ible. e positive role of vermicompost in this case can
be explained by the fact that the presence of N, P, K in
Fig. 5 Chlorophyll index of Selva and Camarosa in Vermicompost and Peat moss combined with Perlite
Fig. 6 Total soluble solid of Selva and Camarosa in Vermicompost and Peat moss combined with Perlite
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AziziYeganehetal. BMC Plant Biology (2024) 24:149
vermicompost, as well as micro and essential elements in
it, was effective in increasing fruit weight and subsequent
increase in yield, [23] are coordinated. Also, vermicom-
post reduces the accumulation of nutrients and increases
the uptake by the plant by the coordination and bal-
ance that it creates between the release of nutrients and
absorption, and consequently the plant yield increases
[47].
The number ofleaves
Whereas the substrates with vermicompost had not the
highest number of leaves, leaf production, in addition to
depending on the type of cultivar, is affected by factors
such as light, nutrients and growth factors. Peat moss
can improve the cohesion of the root system and sub-
strate [20], also the presence of growth hormones such as
auxin in it [27] and creating a fine texture of the soil that
increases water holding capacity [37], it can cause vegeta-
tive growth including the growth of leaves. In this trait,
vermicompost could not produce as many leaves as peat
moss. is may be because peat moss often improves
retention, which is very effective in vegetative growth
while vermicompost increases the fertility of the growing
environment [3].
Inorescences
Although the plants grown in the peat moss substrates
had more inflorescences, but the substrate with 30%
vermicompost (S4) was able to produce the same num-
ber of flowers as the substrate with 30% peat moss (S2),
without any significant difference between the two sub-
strates (Table 2). Vermicompost, which is the product
of composting organic materials using earthworms, has
been shown to have positive effects on plant growth,
including the improvement of inflorescences (flowers
and flower clusters) in various plant species.e results
of other researchers can be seen in positive effect of
vermicompost in increasing the number of flowers in
Marigold [30], Lilies (Lilium) [18] and Strawberry [7].
Increasing the level of nitrogen [10] and microbial activ-
ity following the addition of vermicompost leads to root
expansion and greater uptake of nutrients, water and
photosynthesis and ultimately leads to better flowers
and shoots [12]. In addition, the presence of substances
that affect plant growth, such as plant growth hormones
and humic acids, has been suggested as a possible factor
that helps increase plant growth [29]. e higher inflo-
rescence production of Selva cultivar in vermicompost
substrate could be attributed to several factors. Selva cul-
tivar may have genetic characteristics that make it more
responsive to the nutrients and conditions provided by
vermicompost, resulting in increased inflorescence pro-
duction compared to Camarosa cultivar or they might be
better adapted to the specific growing conditions where
they are cultivated. Additionally, the cultivation practices
used for Selva cultivars might be optimized to encourage
more inflorescence development compared to Camarosa
cultivars. e type of cultivar also affected the number
of inflorescences per plant, which [5] obtained a similar
result.
Fresh anddry shoot ofweight
Fresh and dry shoot weight depends on plant species
[3]. e plants grown in the vermicompost substrate did
not have the highest fresh and dry weight of shoot. But
fresh and dry weight of shoot in 50% perlite / 50% peat
moss (S1) and 70% perlite / 30% vermicompost (S4) were
without significant differences from each other (Table2).
Improving the growth of the branches may be related to
improving the water condition of the branches. Loss of
transpiration of leaves and water uptake by roots directly
affects the water status of the branches. Peat moss has
Fig. 7 Vitamin C contents of Selva and Camarosa in Vermicompost and Peat moss combined with Perlite
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AziziYeganehetal. BMC Plant Biology (2024) 24:149
high porosity and higher water holding capacity than
vermicompost which provides permanent and acces-
sible moisture for plant and stimulates the growth of
shoots [14]. In addition, peat contains different types of
auxin (Indole acetic acid) hormones that cause vegetative
growth in plants [27]. In 70% perlite /30% vermicompost
(S4), when increasing perlite and increasing porosity and
ventilation, shoot growth increased somewhat (Table2).
Stem weight with application of vermicompost can be
seen in Lilium [22] and Pak Choi [28].
Fresh anddry root weight
e increase in fresh and dry weight of roots can be
attributed to several factors that may have positively
influenced root growth and development. Root growth
is a complex process influenced by various environmen-
tal, genetic, and physiological factors. e fresh and dry
weight of the roots depends on the plant species [3]. e
Selva cultivar might possess specific genetic traits that
promote robust root growth. is would allow the plant
to take up essential nutrients in vermicompost more
effectively from the growing medium, leading to healthier
and heavier roots. Vermicompost can play a significant
role in increasing the fresh and dry weight of roots in
plants. Increasing the absorption of essential macro and
micro nutrients in vermicompost leads to improved root
growth. When vermicompost is applied, it releases these
nutrients gradually, providing a steady and balanced sup-
ply of nutrients to the plants. is nutrient availability
promotes healthy root growth and encourages the devel-
opment of a robust root system. In addition, the large
amount of humic acid and the presence of auxin in ver-
micompost leads to the proliferation and elongation of
secondary roots and increase the total length of the root
surface [15, 29]. Vermicompost also improves the con-
dition of the substrate and its water holding capacity by
affecting the physical, chemical and biological properties
of the substrate [16], which is effective in root expansion.
e improved substrate structure allows roots to pen-
etrate the substrate more easily and encourages lateral
root development. Significant activity of microorgan-
isms in vermicompost that convert ammonium nitrogen
to nitrate can also increase root diameter and increase
fresh and dry weight of roots [35]. Also, these microbes
contribute to the development of a healthy rhizosphere
(root zone) by promoting nutrient cycling and improv-
ing nutrient uptake by roots. Vermicompost has been
previously shown to result in increase weight of root in
pea (Pisum sativum) [13], dry weight of root in pepper
(Capsicum) and strawberry [7], tomato (Solanum lyco-
persicum) and cucumber [8] and fresh weight of root in
Lilium longiflorum [22].
Chlorophyll
e chlorophyll index in plants refers to the relative
amount of chlorophyll present in the leaves, which is
an indicator of photosynthetic activity and plant health.
While both peat moss and vermicompost can be used as
substrate to enhance plant growth, there are specific dif-
ferences in their effects on the chlorophyll index.
when comparing the chlorophyll index in peat moss
and vermicompost directly, vermicompost is more
likely to result in a higher chlorophyll index due to its
nutrient content, particularly nitrogen [29], but in this
experiment, vermicompost could not have maximum
chlorophyll index. Peat moss / perlite ratio (1: 1) is used
as a standard substrate in most culture systems [2].
erefore, the high chlorophyll content in strawberries
grown in peat moss can be attributed to properties such
as low pH, good texture and good water retention ability
that is effective in providing high nutrient status and cre-
ating suitable conditions for growth [37].
e pH of the growing medium can influence nutri-
ent availability to plants. Peat moss is known to have a
slightly acidic pH [37], which can enhance the availabil-
ity of certain nutrients like iron, which is essential for
chlorophyll synthesis. Also, peat moss might have been
provided a more suitable nutrient balance for chlorophyll
synthesis in this experiment.
Total Soluble Solid (TSS)
Total soluble solid and total acidity are the main sensory
and taste factors in strawberry fruits. Fruit brix values
depend on variety, cultivation system and harvesting
stage [44]. Different plant cultivars have varying genetic
traits that can affect their ability to accumulate and trans-
port sugars and other soluble solids within their tissues.
e Selva cultivar may have genetic characteristics that
promote higher sugar accumulation, leading to increased
total soluble solids.
e increase in TSS and total sugar in strawberries is
associated with the rapid conversion of starch and pectin
metabolites to soluble compounds and the rapid translo-
cationof sugars from the leaves (source) to the growing
fruit (sink) [16]. Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich organic
fertilizer, and its application can influence the availabil-
ity of nutrients to plants which can help to increase and
synthesize sugar in fruits [23]. Vermicompost contains
beneficial microorganisms that can enhance nutrient
uptake and nutrient use efficiency in plants [35]. ese
microorganisms may have positively influenced the Selva
cultivar’s ability to absorb and utilize nutrients, leading
to higher total soluble solids. Also, the potassium present
in vermicompost increases the accumulation of sugar in
berries and the balance is N, P, K, which is essential for
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AziziYeganehetal. BMC Plant Biology (2024) 24:149
the proper accumulation of sugar in fruits [34]. In straw-
berry [16, 19, 40], cucumber [9], tomato [1] and cabbage
(Brassica oleracea) [26] the highest soluble solids were in
vermicompost.
Vitamin C content
Vitamin C, which has a water-soluble structure, is a
very important vitamin for protecting human health
due to the presence of antioxidants in it. Vitamin C
content depends on cultural practices, light intensity,
weather conditions [34]. Different strawberry culti-
vars can have varying genetic traits that influence their
nutrient composition, including vitamin C content.
The Camarosa cultivar might naturally have a higher
capacity for vitamin C synthesis and accumulation.
Ascorbic acid is a biologically active form of vitamin
C, the content of which can change with respect to
growth and storage conditions and genetics of culti-
vars [46] Vitamin C content is also affected by plant
nutrition, water availability and light intensity [48].
Vermicompost provides a wide range of nutrients
for storage and microbial activity, and provides most
nutrients available, such as N, P, Ca and exchangeable
potassium for plant [40]. Having micronutrients such
as iron, zinc, copper and manganese as well as high
water and food storage capacity [42], can be consid-
ered as one of the reasons for the high level of vitamin
C in the substrate based in vermicompost. The results
of the present experiment with the results of other
researchers on increase of vitamin C by vermicom-
post in tomatoes [1, 4], potatoes [38], cabbage [26], is
consistent.
Conclusion
Based on the results obtained, the following conclu-
sions can be drawn: The choice of substrate com-
position significantly influenced the growth and
development of the strawberry plants.
Yield potential
The highest yield was observed in the Camarosa cul-
tivar when grown in peat moss substrate. For Selva
cultivar, the combination of 70% perlite and 30% ver-
micompost resulted in higher yields. These findings
suggest that substrate composition plays a crucial role
in determining the yield potential of different cultivars.
Cultivar‑Specic responses
e two cultivars, Selva and Camarosa, exhibited varia-
tions in their responses to different substrate composi-
tions. For instance, the Camarosa cultivar showed higher
leaf number and chlorophyll index in peat moss-based
substrates, while the Selva cultivar demonstrated higher
fresh and dry root weights in the combination of perlite
and vermicompost.
Quality attributes
e substrate composition also affected various quality
attributes of the strawberries. e highest vitamin C con-
tent was observed in the Camarosa cultivar when grown
in vermicompost, while the Selva cultivar exhibited
higher total soluble solids (TSS) levels in the combination
of perlite and vermicompost. ese results highlight the
potential of vermicompost-based substrates in enhancing
fruit quality attributes. In conclusion, the choice of sub-
strate composition in hydroponic strawberry cultivation
has a significant impact on plant growth, yield, and qual-
ity attributes. Vermicompost can serve as a viable alter-
native to peat moss, with different cultivars exhibiting
varying responses to substrate compositions.
Methods
e present study was done during 2019–2020 in Isfa-
han Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center
greenhouse (Isfahan Province, Iran) by hydroponic cul-
ture. Strawberry seedlings (Camarosa and Selva) were
received from the agricultural center Kurdistan. For
preparation of volumetric mixtures in order to eliminate
the possible salinity of vermicompost culture substrate,
leaching was performed on this substrate. No operation
was performed on perlite and peat moss culture sub-
strate. e experiment was performed in split plots as a
randomized complete block design with 3 replications.
e main treatment of culture substrate at four levels
included volumetric mixture of 50% perlite and 50% peat
moss (S1), 70% perlite and 30% peat moss (S2), 50% per-
lite and 50% vermicompost (S3), and 70% perlite and 30%
vermicompost (S4) and sub-treatment were Camarosa
and Selva.
e analysis of vermicompost and peat moss substrates
are given in Table3 and 4.
Table 3 properties of vermicompost used in the experiment
Vermicompost K2O % P2O5% N % OM % PH EC (ds/m)
1.30 1.70 1.05 49.0 7.3 1.2
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AziziYeganehetal. BMC Plant Biology (2024) 24:149
e field capacity of used substrates was like this: FC:
50% perlite / 50% peat moss (S1):203%, FC: 70% perlite
/30% peat moss (S2):145%, FC: 50% perlite/ 50% ver-
micompost (S3):59.5%, FC: 70% perlite / 30% vermicom-
post (S4):42.5%
For hydroponic planting, pots with an opening diam-
eter of 18cm were used and the nourishment method
was open. Nutrient solution (including macro and
micro nutrients from Table 5) needed by the plants
was prepared in barrels (100 L) and 200cc per pot was
provided to the plants daily. e roots were immersed
in Captan + Mancozeb fungicide solution for 2 s and
immediately, 3 seedlings were planted in each pot. e
greenhouse temperature was adjusted at 18 °C (night)
and 25°C (day) and relative humidity (60%) was consid-
ered constant for the treatments.
During the growing season, some of the most impor-
tant morphological and biochemical indicators proper-
ties of cultivated pots (Fig.8 Selva (Pic A) and Camarosa
(Pic B) were estimated. Data acquisition started when the
plants gave new leaves and continued until the end of the
experiment. Traits were measured every 7 to 10days and
at the end an average was reported for each trait.
Total weight offruits (yield)
When the fruits of the plants were fully ripe and had a
uniform red color, the fruits were harvested and weighed
with a digital scale model Electronic Compact Scale
SF_400C.
Fresh/ dry weight ofshoots androots:
e roots and aerial parts were dried separately for 72h
in an oven at a temperature of 85°C and then weighed
with a scale with an accuracy of 0.01 [43].
Number ofleaves andofinorescences
Number of leaves and of inflorescences were counted.
Chlorophyll index
3 to 4 leaves were randomly selected from each plant and
then measured using a chlorophyll meter model SPAD-
502, Minolta, Osaka, Japan. e average value of leaf
Table 4 Properties of Peat moss used in the experiment
Peat moss: Produced by Klasmann -Deilmann GmbH40744Geeste.Germany
Peat moss EC pH Value H2O Amount of added fertilizer
NPK fertilizer 14:10:18 Recommended use
45 ms/m (± 25%) 5.5- 6.5 1.5 kg/m370 L
Table 5 Nutrients of soilless culture of strawberry in a general substrate [24]
Growth stage Mg/l Salinity ds/m
N P K Mg Ca SFe Mn Zn B Cu Mo
Vegetative Growth 207 65 184 58 221 77 6.5 2.6 0.25 0.7 0.07 0.05 2
Fruit Growing 182 82 301 58 148 77 6.5 2.6 0.25 0.7 0.07 0.05 2
Fig. 8 pots of strawberry cultivation Selva (Pic A) and Camarosa (Pic B) in 4 volumetric mixtures. Abbreviations used: S1:50% perlite / 50% peat
moss, S2: 70% perlite / 30% peat moss, S3:50% perlite / 50% vermicompost and S4:70% perlite /30% vermicompost. C1: Selva and C2: Camerosa
Content courtesy of Springer Nature, terms of use apply. Rights reserved.
Page 11 of 12
AziziYeganehetal. BMC Plant Biology (2024) 24:149
chlorophyll index was read in three replicates for each
treatment.
Total soluble solids
Total soluble solids was displayed by refractometer
device model PR-101Atago Co. Ltd., Japan, respectively.
Vitamin C content
Vitamin C contentwas determined by titration of potas-
sium iodide [36].
Statistical analysis
e data were analyzed using MSTAT-C software and
means were compared by Duncan’s multiple range test at
the probability level of 5%. Excel software was also used
to draw the graphs.
Acknowledgements
We thank the Isfahan (Iran) Agricultural and Natural Resources Research
Center.
Statement about the plants used
The strawberries (Fragaria ananassa) seedlings (Selva and Camarosa) that
were used in this experiment are among the seedlings that are abundantly
produced in suitable places for the growth of this fruit in this country (Iran).
And they are part of the common and dominant cultivars in this region and
are not rare and endangered species. cultivars of this experiment (Selva
and Camarosa) were prepared from the Kurdistan city (Iran), which is one of
the poles of strawberry. They are suitable cultivars for greenhouse produc-
tion that producers use to produce and present strawberry products to the
market. Experimental research and field studies on plants and collection of
plant material was not against the institutional, national, and international
guidelines and legislation.
This experiment is a university thesis related to the first author Mahsa Azizi
Yeganeh who can get Ph.D. All scientific, practical and research stages of this
experiment, from the preparation of seedlings to conducting experiments
on plant samples with the cooperation of supervisors, consultants and co-
authors, are in charge at the Center for Research, Education and Promotion of
Agriculture and Natural Resources of Isfahan Province (Iran), It was carried out
in accordance with the rules governing this organization and under the super-
vision of its officials and by obtaining the necessary permits to perform the
various stages of this experiment from the various departments of this organi-
zation. It should be mentioned that the center for research, education and
promotion of agriculture and natural resources of Isfahan province (Iran) is a
government body with scientific, research, ethical and international approved
rules and guidelines and has many official scientific members and researchers
who publish international scientific articles approved by many annually. On
the other hand, since this experiment is a university thesis, it has been tried to
be under the scientific and ethical framework of the university.
Authors’ contributions
MAY and A.a SH presented the main idea of the experiment. MAY, A.a SH and
AE designed and performed the experiment. MAY and VA analyzed the data.
A.a SH and AE performed the final examination of the experiment. All authors
read and approved the final article.
Funding
This research did not receive any funding.
Availability of data and materials
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the cor-
responding author upon reasonable request.
Declarations
Ethics approval and consent to participate
We confirm that our study does not involve human subjects.
Consent for publication
Not applicable.
Competing interests
The authors declare no competing interests.
Author details
1 Department of Horticultural Science and Agronomy, Science and Research
Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. 2 Soil and Water Research Depart-
ment, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO),
Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center,
Isfahan, Iran. 3 Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Col-
lege of Agriculture and Natural Resources, The University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.
Received: 8 April 2023 Accepted: 8 February 2024
Published: 28 February 2024
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