Summary
This three-year field study examined tipburn occurrence in two strawberry cultivars grown in soilless culture medium or soil, with analysis of mineral composition in different leaf tissues and fluids. Tipburn was rarely observed in soil-grown plants but variable in soilless systems. The research identified calcium uptake and transport via xylem pressure as critical factors in tipburn development, with absolute calcium concentration alone insufficient to explain the disorder.
Regional applicability
These findings are applicable to UK protected strawberry production, particularly for growers using soilless or hydroponic systems where tipburn risk may be elevated. The identification of xylem transport mechanisms as key to tipburn development could inform nutrient management strategies in UK glasshouse and polytunnel production.
Key measures
Tipburn incidence; calcium, magnesium and potassium concentrations in leaves, petioles and guttated fluids; tipburn induction in detached leaves
Outcomes reported
The study examined tipburn incidence in strawberry leaves in relation to calcium concentration, comparing plants grown in soilless culture medium versus soil across two cultivars over three years. Analysis included calcium, magnesium and potassium content in leaves, petioles and guttated fluids, and tipburn induction in detached leaves.
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