Phytochemical and Quality Attributes of Strawberry Fruit under Osmotic Stress of Nutrient Solution and Foliar Application of Putrescine and Salicylic Acid

Summary

This soilless-culture experiment examined how foliar application of putrescine and salicylic acid—both plant growth regulators—can ameliorate the negative effects of salt stress on strawberry fruit ('Selva' cultivar) quality and yield. Under high osmotic stress (45 mM NaCl), plants experienced substantial reductions in yield (73.5%), leaf area (79.6%), and nutritional quality (vitamin C down 24.5%, total phenols down 7.8%); co-application of these regulators—particularly at moderate salinity (15 mM NaCl)—restored phenolic and vitamin C content, suggesting a practical agronomic intervention for salt-affected soilless systems.

Regional applicability

The findings are transferable to protected horticulture systems in the United Kingdom, particularly glasshouse and hydroponic strawberry cultivation, where osmotic stress from saline irrigation water or fertiliser imbalance may occur. However, UK growers would need to evaluate regulatory approval for putrescine and salicylic acid as plant growth regulators under current pesticide/biostimulant legislation, and verify cultivar-specific responses beyond 'Selva'.

Key measures

Leaf area, total chlorophyll content, fruit yield, leaf relative water content, total protein, total phenol content, vitamin C content, peroxidase (POD) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, leaf ion leakage, soluble carbohydrate content, proline content

Outcomes reported

The study measured growth parameters, phytochemical composition (total phenols, vitamin C), and quality attributes of strawberry fruit under varying salinity stress (0–45 mM NaCl) with and without foliar application of putrescine and salicylic acid. Fruit yield, leaf area, chlorophyll content, relative water content, and antioxidant enzyme activity were quantified.

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