Summary
This controlled nutrient experiment evaluated biochemical responses in strawberry (cv. Festival) to graded replacement of conventional phosphorus with phosphite in hydroponic nutrient solution. Addition of 30% phosphite optimised accumulation of chlorophyll and free amino acids during fructification, whilst lower proportions (20%) transiently increased sugars at bloom. The authors conclude that moderate phosphite substitution stimulates beneficial biomolecule accumulation, potentially enhancing plant vigour and fruit quality, though field validation and marketable yield data were not reported.
Regional applicability
This study was conducted in Mexico and employed controlled hydroponic conditions, so direct application to United Kingdom field strawberry production would require validation under UK temperate and soil conditions. However, the biochemical mechanisms of phosphite nutrition may be transferable, and UK growers using protected or hydroponic systems could explore phosphite as a phosphorus alternative to support leaf and fruit quality, subject to UK fertiliser regulations and approval status.
Key measures
Total soluble sugars, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, free amino acids, soluble proteins; measured at blooming stage and fructification stage across five phosphite treatment levels (0%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% of total P)
Outcomes reported
The study measured concentrations of soluble sugars, chlorophylls (a, b, and total), free amino acids, and soluble proteins in strawberry leaves at blooming and fructification stages in response to varying phosphite proportions in nutrient solution. Key finding: 30% phosphite supplementation optimised chlorophyll and amino acid accumulation during fructification.
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