Summary
This field trial examined whether foliar application of potassium sulphate during strawberry fruit development could enhance fruit quality, building on previous controlled-environment evidence. Repeated weekly sprays of K₂SO₄ increased fruit and leaf potassium concentration by 8–11% and 7–5% respectively, and significantly enhanced total soluble solids content (approximately 12%) and sweetness index (approximately 13%). However, secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids and flavonols, as well as overall yield, remained unaffected by the potassium treatments.
Regional applicability
The study was conducted on containerised strawberry plants (Frigoplants cultivar 'Murano') in grow bags with cocopeat substrate, which is representative of intensive horticultural systems common in southern and central Europe. Transferability to United Kingdom field-grown strawberry production would depend on whether growers employ similar cultivation methods (bag culture versus bare soil) and whether environmental conditions during the UK growing season (typically May–September) would produce comparable physiological responses to foliar K application.
Key measures
Potassium concentration in fruits and leaves (%), total soluble solids content (%), sweetness index, phenolic content, flavonoid content, flavonol content, fruit yield
Outcomes reported
The study assessed whether repeated foliar applications of potassium-based fertilisers during strawberry fruit development affected fruit quality parameters including soluble solids content, sweetness, nutraceutical compounds, and yield. Foliar K-fertilisation increased potassium concentration in fruits and leaves, enhanced total soluble solids and sweetness index, but did not affect phenolic, flavonoid or flavonol content or fruit yield.
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