THE ROLE OF MULCH COLOR AND IRRIGATION LEVEL IN REDUCING WATER STRESS IN STRAWBERRY


Kapur B., Çeliktopuz E., Sarıdaş M. A., Paydaş Kargı S.

APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH, vol.21, no.5, pp.1-15, 2023 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 21 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.15666/aeer/2105_47814794
  • Journal Name: APPLIED ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Environment Index, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-15
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Photosynthesis decline, resulting from changing evapotranspiration levels and varying growing conditions, can lead to crop failure. To prevent damage, it is essential to assess carotenoid and chlorophyll content, and crop responses to limited irrigation. In this experiment, we studied strawberry responses to photosynthetic pigments, physiological parameters, and macronutrient concentrations under different irrigation levels (IR100 and IR50), mulch colors (black, silver, transparent), and harvest dates in Turkey. The results showed significant effects on total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll a/b, and carotenoid levels due to irrigation and dap applications. Fruit N, P, and K concentrations were significantly influenced by irrigation and mulch colors but unaffected by different periods. Leaf water potential (ΨL) and stomatal conductance (gs) were significantly impacted by all treatments. Silver mulch retained more water (31%) and had higher gs (28%) than other treatments. Silver and black mulch resulted in the highest macro nutrient concentrations in the fruit. IR50 reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, ΨL, gs, and N, P, and K concentrations. Our findings highlight the benefits of using appropriate mulch colors and irrigation amounts, with silver mulch × IR100 combination mitigating the impact of limited irrigation under Mediterranean climate conditions